The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC today announced the 94th Oscars ceremony will move to Sunday, March 27, 2022. The show, which will air live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was originally scheduled for February 27, 2022.
The eligibility period for Academy Awards consideration will return to the standard December 31 deadline: a feature film must have a qualifying release date between March 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021. This year, which is still impacted by the pandemic, eligibility requirements for the 94th Academy Awards will be consistent with the addendums made for the 93rd Awards season. Complete 94th Awards rules and speciality category submission deadlines will be announced in June. Following this year, the Academy intends to expand the qualifying requirements for the 95th Awards.
With the gradual re-opening of theatres, there are two methods of qualification for awards consideration in Best Picture and general entry categories for the 94th Academy Awards:
1) Films that are intended for theatrical release, but are initially made available through commercial streaming, VOD service or other broadcasts may qualify under these provisions:
That the film be made available on the secure Academy Screening Room member site within 60 days of the film’s streaming/VOD release or broadcast;
That it meets all other eligibility requirements
OR
2) Films that open in theatres in at least one of the six qualifying U.S. cities, depending on theatre availability, may qualify under these provisions:
That the film completes a qualifying run of at least seven consecutive days in the same commercial venue, during which period screenings must occur at least three times daily, with at least one screening beginning between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily
That it meets all other eligibility requirements
Six qualifying U.S. cities include Los Angeles County; City of New York [Five Boroughs]; the Bay Area [counties of San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, San Mateo and Contra Costa]; Chicago [Cook County, Illinois]; Miami [Miami-Dade County, Florida]; and Atlanta [Fulton County, Georgia].
Drive-in theatres are included as a qualifying commercial venue in the above cities (must run for seven consecutive days with at least one screening daily)
Academy Screening Room would be optional.
The 94th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.
