The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that films will now have to run for at least two weeks in theatres — either consecutively or non-consecutively — in order to be eligible for nomination in the Best Picture category of the Oscars starting 2024.

According to a statement issued by the Academy, a film competing for the Best Picture award will have to have an “expanded” theatrical release of at least a week following its initial week-long run in theatres within 45 days since its day of release. During the expanded release or re-release, the film will have to be screened in at least 10 of the top 50 US markets.

“In support of our mission to celebrate and honor the arts and sciences of moviemaking, it is our hope that this expanded theatrical footprint will increase the visibility of films worldwide and encourage audiences to experience our artform in a theatrical setting. Based on many conversations with industry partners, we feel that this evolution benefits film artists and movie lovers alike,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang said in a joint statement.

Previously, a week-long theatrical run in any of the approved cities made a film eligible to compete for the Best Picture award at the Oscars.

The Academy's board of governors recently approved the new guidelines that will be applicable for the 2024 films competing at the 2025 Oscars. The new rules will not affect the 2023 releases that compete for the awards at the 2024 Oscars.

For films that release in the latter half of 2024 and opt for an expanded release after January 10, 2025, distributors must submit release plans to the Academy for verification. The said plans must include a planned expanded theatrical run to be completed no later than January 24, 2025.

Additionally, non-US territory releases can count towards two of the required 10 markets. The qualifying non-US markets comprise the top 15 international theatrical markets, along with the film's home territory.