The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, are one of the most prestigious awards in the film industry. Each year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) recognizes and honors the best films, actors, and technical achievements in the film industry. The process of nominating and selecting the winners for the Oscars is a long and complex one, and it involves a wide range of people from different fields within the film industry.
The first step in the process of nominating movies for the Oscars is the submission of films. To be eligible for the awards, a film must be released in the previous calendar year and meet certain criteria set by AMPAS. These criteria include the length of the film, the language in which it was made, and the number of screenings it has received. Filmmakers can submit their films for consideration by filling out an online form and providing the necessary materials, such as DVDs or digital copies of the film.
Once the submissions are received, a group of AMPAS members called the “screening committees” begins the process of reviewing and evaluating the films. These committees are made up of industry professionals who have expertise in specific areas, such as directing, writing, or acting. The screening committees are responsible for watching all the submitted films and deciding which ones should be considered for nomination.
After the screening committees have completed their evaluations, a list of the top contenders is compiled and sent to the entire AMPAS membership. This list, known as the “shortlist,” consists of around 15 to 20 films in each category. The AMPAS members then have the opportunity to watch the shortlisted films and vote for their favorites.
The votes are tabulated by an independent accounting firm, and the films with the most votes become the nominees for the Oscars. The nominees are announced in January of each year, and the awards ceremony takes place in late February or early March.
In addition to the main categories, such as Best Picture and Best Actor, there are also awards given in more specialized categories, such as Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects. These categories are often determined by specific committees within AMPAS that are made up of experts in the field.
While the process of nominating and selecting the winners for the Oscars is complex and involves a lot of people, it is also highly transparent. AMPAS has strict rules in place to ensure that the process is fair and unbiased. For example, members of the Academy are required to disclose any conflicts of interest they may have with any of the films being considered.
Overall, the process of nominating movies for the Oscars is a long and meticulous one that involves the input of many different people from within the film industry. It is a process that is designed to recognize and honor the best films and performances of the year, and it is an important part of the film industry’s recognition and celebration of artistic achievement. So, this is the process of how movies are nominated for Oscars.