How Does a Movie Qualify as a Best Picture Nominee?

Question: How Does a Movie Qualify as a Best Picture Nominee?

Answer: According to the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, in order to quality to be considered for Best Picture a feature-length motion picture "must have a running length of more than 40 minutes and have been exhibited theatrically on 35mm or 70mm film, or in a qualifying digital format. The films must open in a commercial theater, for paid admission, in Los Angeles County between January 1 and midnight December 31, and run for seven consecutive days. Films that receive their first public exhibition or distribution in any manner other than as a theatrical motion picture release are not eligible for Academy Awards in any category. Official screen credit forms and copies of the main and end title credits must have been submitted to the Academy by December 1."

Films are not eligible if they have appeared on the Internet, on home video, or on television prior to their theatrical releases.

SOURCE: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences