Academy Screening Room: A Digital Showcase of Oscar Contenders and Exclusive Films
The Oscars are set to kick off the 98th Academy Awards season by launching digital screeners for its members on August 15. The Academy Screening Room will showcase a variety of films across different categories, including best picture, documentaries, animated features, international films, and shorts. New movies will be added every Friday throughout the season.
One of the highly anticipated titles to debut on the platform is Netflix's animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters," which has garnered immense popularity since its release in June. The movie's original song "Golden" has achieved remarkable success, topping the Billboard Global 200 chart and reaching the second spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The soundtrack of the film has also made history by debuting in the top 10 on the Billboard 200.
Other early releases on the platform include Danish horror film "The Ugly Stepsister" and the thriller "The Luckiest Man in America." Sony Pictures Classics is expected to showcase two films, a music documentary about Led Zeppelin and a drama based on Alexandra Fuller's memoir.
Studios pay a fee to feature their films on the platform, with special rates available for smaller budget productions. The platform not only serves as a hub for awards contenders but also offers exclusive content, Academy Museum programming, and various resources for members.
The digital release on the platform provides crucial exposure for films, especially independent titles that may not have extensive marketing budgets. The platform's accessibility allows Academy members to view films at their convenience, ensuring that smaller films receive equal consideration alongside major studio releases.
With changes to the Academy's voting procedures, members are now required to watch all nominated films within a category to be eligible to vote in the final round. As Oscar contenders gear up for fall film festivals, the awards season is shaping up to be an exciting one to watch unfold.
The Academy Screening Room is accessible on various platforms, including Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, and the Academy member website and app. The nominations voting period will take place in January, with the official nominees set to be announced later that month. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2025.