The governing body behind the Oscars has changed its rules so that films that debut on streaming services or video on demand serves are to be made eligible for next year’s awards.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science’ current rules say that films can only enter if they have been shown in a LA cinema for at least a week.
But with picture houses closed during the coronavirus pandemic, organisers have said that a “temporary” exception was necessary.
Many films that are due for releases have been delayed, with others going straight to digidal.
In a joint statement, Academy president, David Rubin and chief executive, Dawn Hudson, said: “The Academy firmly believes that there is no great way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theatre.
“Nonetheless, the historically tragic Covid-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules”.
The Academy said the exemption would end when cinemas reopen.
In recent years, the Oscars have admitted films made by streaming services like Netflix and Amazon – but only if they have also had a cinema release.
