Oscars 2025 Announces Significant Changes. Here Are The New Rules And Protocols
The Oscars 2025 ceremony, one of the most anticipated events in the film industry, is set to take place on March 2. Ahead of this event, The Academy has unveiled several significant modifications to its awards rules and campaign regulations, marking a new era for participants and audiences alike. These changes aim to adapt to evolving industry standards and address the dynamic nature of film production and distribution.
New Rules for Original Score Category
Among the notable updates, alterations to the original score category stand out. In a move to acknowledge individual contributions more fairly, The Academy will now allow up to three composers to receive individual Oscar statuettes for their collective work on a film’s music. This is a departure from the previous requirement for composers to submit as a group. Examples of this collaborative success include the band Son Lux for "Everything Everywhere All at Once" and the trio of Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross for their work in "Soul". Additionally, the shortlist for this category will expand from 15 to 20 titles, with the selected titles to be announced in late December, ahead of the official nomination voting period starting in January.
Adjustments to Eligibility Criteria
Another significant update is the change in eligibility criteria for films. Drive-in theatres, which were considered qualifying venues during the COVID-19 pandemic, will no longer be recognized for Oscars eligibility. Instead, films must now have a one-week qualifying run in one of six US markets, followed by a seven-day run in 10 of the top 50 US markets within 45 days of the initial release to be considered for the best picture category. Films are also required to submit the Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form and meet at least two of the four standards. The submission of the final shooting script is now mandatory for consideration in the screenplay categories.
Animated Films and Governors Awards Updates
Animated films have received a nod for inclusion in the best international feature category, with the possibility of being considered for the best-animated feature if they fulfill the criteria for both categories. Furthermore, The Academy has revamped the Governors Awards. The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award will now be presented as an Oscar statuette, moving away from the traditional bust. The last recipients of this award were Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall in 2018. Additionally, the Scientific and Technical Awards have seen a renaming of two accolades to better reflect their significance.
The Oscars 2025 is shaping up to be an event that not only celebrates achievements in film but also reflects the Academy's commitment to evolving with the times and recognizing the diverse contributions to cinema. As the film industry continues to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, these updates from The Academy underscore its dedication to inclusivity and innovation.
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