Oscars 2021: Movies Released On Streaming Services Again Eligible

STUDIO CITY, CA — Movies premiered on streaming services such as HBO Max and Netflix will again be eligible for Oscar consideration this year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced.

The Academy made the change last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, as many big-ticket movies were released digitally while theaters across the country were closed.

For the upcoming 94th Oscars, films can qualify for award consideration if they are intended for theatrical release, but are initially made available through commercial streaming, video-on-demand or other forms of broadcast. Academy officials said the change was being extended due to "theatrical exhibition still impacted by the pandemic this year."

The Oscar eligibility period this year is March 1 through December 31, two months shorter than usual due to last year's extension.

Movies that premiere outside of movie theaters must be uploaded to the Academy's Screening Room site within 60 days of its release date for members to view. Films that are released in theaters must do so for seven straight days in either Los Angeles County, New York City, the Bay Area, Chicago, Miami or Atlanta.

The 94th Oscars will be held March 27, returning to its traditional home at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Nominations will be announced Feb. 8.

View all the rules and eligibility for the Oscars here.