The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) will no longer host theatrical screenings of Oscar-nominated films for voting members, citing low attendance and the growing cost of organising the events.
The decision marks a shift from the Academy’s long-standing practice of staging post-nomination theatrical screenings that allowed members to watch nominated titles in cinemas.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Academy informed members of the update in last month’s Academy Bulletin. Going forward, nominated films will be available only on the Academy Screening Room, the organisation’s members-only streaming platform.
Oscar winners are determined by votes from more than 10,000 AMPAS members across the industry, including actors, directors, writers, producers, cinematographers and editors. After nominations are announced, members watch eligible films and cast final ballots in each category.
With the end of post-nomination theatrical screenings, members will now view films exclusively from home before voting.
The 98th Academy Awards is scheduled to hold on March 15. The change has drawn mixed reactions from some members and observers, with questions about how the shift to at-home viewing could affect the voting process.