The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, is one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in the film industry. Every year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes the best films and performances of the year. As we approach the 93rd Academy Awards, let’s take a look at the feature films eligible for this year’s Best Picture award.
The Eligibility Criteria
Before we dive into the list of eligible films, it’s important to understand the criteria for a film to be considered for the Best Picture award. According to the Academy’s rules, a film must have a running time of more than 40 minutes and must have been publicly exhibited for at least seven consecutive days in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County. Additionally, the film must have a theatrical release and cannot be released solely on streaming platforms.
The Contenders
This year, there are a total of 366 feature films eligible for the Best Picture award. Some of the most talked-about contenders include “Nomadland,” “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” “Mank,” and “Minari.” These films have received critical acclaim and have been dominating the awards season so far. Other notable contenders include “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Promising Young Woman,” and “One Night in Miami.”
The Surprises
Every year, there are a few surprises when it comes to the list of eligible films for the Best Picture award. This year, one of the biggest surprises is the inclusion of “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.” The satirical comedy film, starring Sacha Baron Cohen, was released on Amazon Prime Video and was not expected to be eligible for the award. However, due to the pandemic and the closure of theaters, the Academy made an exception for films that had a planned theatrical release but were ultimately released on streaming platforms.
The Snubs
While there are many deserving films on the list of eligible contenders, there are also some notable snubs. One of the most talked-about snubs is “Da 5 Bloods,” directed by Spike Lee. The film received critical acclaim and was expected to be a strong contender for the Best Picture award. However, it did not make the cut. Other notable snubs include “Tenet,” “The Invisible Man,” and “The King of Staten Island.”
The Final List
The final list of nominees for the Best Picture award will be announced on March 15, 2021. The Academy’s voting members will have until March 10 to submit their nominations. The final list will consist of a maximum of 10 films, with a minimum of five. The final winner will be announced at the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony on April 25, 2021.
The Oscars Flavor of the Day
The Oscars flavor of the day is constantly changing as the awards season progresses. While some films may be dominating the conversation now, it’s important to remember that anything can happen. The final list of nominees may include some unexpected films, and the ultimate winner may surprise us all. That’s the beauty of the Oscars – it’s always full of surprises.
As we eagerly await the final list of nominees, let’s continue to celebrate the incredible films that have been released this year. Which film do you think will take home the Best Picture award? Let us know in the comments.
