Of all the films that are shot in a year around the world, what screen is there? Can they all compete? It is clear that not, since it would be almost impossible to value so many and of such diverse nature. For this preliminary selection of films in competition, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sets rules:
All eligible films, unless otherwise noted, must meet the following requirements:
- To have been released in Los Angeles during the previous year, with the exception, of course, of those that compete for the best foreign-language film.
- The duration must be at least 40 minutes with a 35 or 75 mm format or with a minimum resolution of 2048×1080 pixels.
- Format according to ST 428-1: 2006 D-Cinema Distribution Master – Picture Characteristics;
- Image compression (if used) conforming to ISO / IEC 15444-1 (JPEG 2000); and image and sound
- Files packaged as Digital Cinema Packages (DCP) in “Interop” or “SMPTE DCP” formats.
- SMPTE DCP refers to SMPTE ST 429-2 and related specifications. (The Blu-ray format does not meet the requirements of digital cinema.)
- Audio in a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) is typically 5.1 or 7.1 channels of discrete audio.
- The minimum for a non-mono audio setup will be three channels: left, center, right (a left / right setup is not acceptable in a theatrical setting).
- Audio data will be formatted according to ST 428-2: 2006 D-Cinema Distribution
In addition to these basic guidelines, obviously film producers must fill out a registration form within a specific deadline to be eligible for the competition at the next ceremony. In December, the final list of all eligible films is sent to the members of the Academy and voting begins for the election of those who will be candidates.
How are the voting carried out?
At the Oscars ceremony, regular awards are given for outstanding individual or collective cinematographic achievements in a wide variety of categories. Most of the categories are nominated by the members of the corresponding branch: actors nominate actors, film editors nominate film editors, etc.
However, certain categories, such as international feature film and animated feature film, have special voting rules.
Voting on nominations is done via paper and online ballots, the latter being the preferred option for the overwhelming majority of Academy members. Voting for nominations begins in late December.
Finally, the results of the nomination are announced at the famous Oscars Ceremony, at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater of the Academy in Beverly Hills; and in the form of a gold statuette trophy of the Academy (the Oscar).
During the finals, all Oscar categories are available to all voting members. After the final votes are calculated, only two Pricewaterhouse Coopers partners know the results until the famous envelopes are opened on stage , during the Oscars broadcast.
