The Oscars will change the rules due to coronavirus
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced some changes to the Oscars rules due to the coronavirus pandemic. So, in a statement published yesterday, it is said that films that were shown only online will now be able to participate in the competition. This, however, so far is only a one-time exception for films that can qualify for participation in the selection for the Oscars 2021.
The Academy firmly believes that there is no better way to experience the magic of cinema than by seeing a film in a theater. Our commitment to this is unwavering. However, the tragic COVID-19 pandemic necessitates a temporary exception to our award selection rules. The Academy supports our members and colleagues during this period of uncertainty. We recognize the importance of their work being seen, especially now that audiences appreciate films more than ever,
said Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson in a statement.
Recall that due to the closure of cinemas, the premiere screenings of many films, for example, the film "Mulan" and the new part about the adventures of James Bond "No Time to Die", were postponed. Other studios did not violate their schedule, but arranged a rental in an online format. On streaming services, the films “Outside the game" and “Trolls. World Tour".
The coronavirus pandemic has already affected some other important events in the world of cinema and art: the Cannes Film Festival, the Billboard ceremony and the Tony ceremony have been postponed. The date of the Oscars ceremony remains unchanged for the time being – the main film evening should take place on February 28, 2021.
In addition to changing the box office rule, the Academy also announced that the Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing categories will be merged into one category. And to qualify for Best Music, films must now contain at least 60% original music, while franchises and sequels must contain at least 80% new music.