The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled significant changes to the awards rules and campaign regulations for the upcoming 97th Oscars ceremony, set to take place on March 2, 2025. These changes affect various categories, qualifications, and criteria for eligibility.

One notable change comes in the original score category, where up to three composers can now individually receive Oscar statuettes if they have made significant contributions to a film's music. This is a departure from previous rules that required composers to submit as a group. The band Son Lux, for example, had to submit as a group for their nomination for the best picture winner "Everything Everywhere All at Once." However, now individual composers can be recognized, as demonstrated by Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross, winners of an Oscar for the animated film "Soul" (2020).

The Academy has further clarified the definition of a group to include a recognized band, expanding the opportunities for collective recognition. The shortlist in the original score category has also been expanded from 15 to 20 titles, allowing for a wider range of musical contributions to be considered. The announcement of the shortlist will occur in late December, just before the official nomination voting period begins in January.

Another significant change is that drive-in theaters will no longer be considered qualifying venues for Oscars eligibility. This measure, temporarily adopted in 2020 due to the closure of indoor movie theaters, allowed films shown at drive-in theaters to be eligible. Additionally, last year the Academy made an exception for films shown on streaming and VOD platforms due to the pandemic. However, with the reopening of indoor theaters, the Academy has reverted to the previous theatrical requirements.

A film's eligibility for the best picture category now depends on meeting the expanded theatrical requirements announced in 2023. These requirements entail a one-week qualifying run in one of six U.S. markets, including the new addition of Dallas-Fort Worth, followed by a seven-day run in 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets within 45 days of the initial release. Films scheduled for release after January 10, 2025, must have their release plans verified by the Academy and complete their runs by January 24, 2025.

To compete for the Oscars' top prize, films must also submit the Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form, satisfying at least two of the four standards. Distributors and production teams are advised to apply for the PGA Mark Certification for awards determination by the date of the film's first qualifying run.

Additional changes have been made to the screenplay categories. Now, the final shooting script is mandatory for consideration in the original or adapted screenplay categories. This requirement ensures that the submitted screenplay accurately reflects the intentions of the filmmakers.

In the best international feature category, animated films will also be considered for best animated feature if they meet the respective requirements for both categories. Furthermore, the eligibility period for the international feature category has been updated, ranging from November 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024.

Changes have also been made to the Governors Awards. The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, which recognizes a producer's consistently high-quality work, will now be presented as an Oscar statuette instead of the traditional bust. The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award's definition has been refined, specifying that it is given to an individual in the motion picture industry whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry by promoting human welfare and addressing inequalities.

Lastly, the Scientific and Technical Awards have seen the renaming of two honors. The Gordon E. Sawyer Award is now known as the "Scientific and Technical Lifetime Achievement Award," while the John A. Bonner Award has been renamed the "Scientific and Technical Service Award."

To be eligible for consideration at the 97th Academy Awards, feature films must have a qualifying theatrical release between January 1 to December 31, 2024.

For more details on the complete 97th Academy Awards rules and campaign promotional regulations, interested parties can visit the Academy's website. With an upcoming movie season filled with anticipation, including the jukebox musical "Joker: Folie à Deux," mark these key dates on your calendar.

In conclusion, the Academy's new awards rules and regulations for the 97th Oscars ceremony bring significant changes to various categories, eligibility criteria, and qualification requirements. These updates aim to recognize and celebrate the diverse contributions and achievements of filmmakers in the motion picture industry.