What's Happening?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set to launch its first wave of digital screeners on August 15 for the 98th Academy Awards. This marks the official start of the awards season, with studios vying for the attention of the Academy's 11,000+ members. The Academy Screening Room will debut films from distributors that met the July 31 submission deadline, with new movies uploaded every Friday until the end of the season. Netflix's animated feature 'KPop Demon Hunters' is among the high-profile titles launching on the platform. The film has become Netflix's most popular original animated film and ranks fourth on the streaming service's all-time most popular films list. Other early titles include IFC and Shudder's Norwegian horror film 'The Ugly Stepsister' and Samir Oliveros' thriller 'The Luckiest Man in America'. Sony Pictures Classics will debut Bernard MacMahon's music documentary 'Becoming Led Zeppelin' and Embeth Davidtz's drama 'Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight'.
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Why It's Important?
The launch of digital screeners is crucial for films, especially smaller independent titles that may lack the marketing budgets of major studio releases. The platform offers direct access to all voting members, eliminating logistical challenges and costs associated with physical screenings. This accessibility ensures that smaller films receive equal consideration alongside big-budget contenders. The streaming format allows Academy members to view titles at their convenience, enhancing exposure for films that might otherwise struggle to gain attention. Additionally, this year marks significant changes to the Academy's voting procedures, requiring members to view all nominated films within a category to be eligible to vote in the final round.
What's Next?
The nominations voting period will run from January 12 through January 16, with official nominees announced on January 22. The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15, 2025. As Oscar contenders gear up to debut at fall film festivals, awards season promises to be an exciting one to watch unfold. The Academy Screening Room is available on various platforms, including Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, and the Academy member website and mobile app, with AirPlay and Chromecast support.
Beyond the Headlines
The digital release strategy could influence future awards seasons, potentially shifting the focus from traditional marketing campaigns to more accessible digital platforms. This change may democratize the awards process, allowing films with smaller budgets to compete more effectively. The requirement for Academy members to view all nominated films could lead to more informed voting and potentially more diverse selections.
