Academy Award nomination

Academy Award nomination. An Academy Award nomination is the formal recognition by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) that a film, performance, or craft achievement is a finalist for an Academy Award (Oscar). The process, governed by specific rules and voting protocols, is a prestigious honor that can significantly impact careers, film marketing, and cultural legacy. Nominations are announced annually in a live ceremony, typically in January, preceding the Academy Awards ceremony.

Nomination process

The nomination process is a multi-stage, branch-specific endeavor conducted by the Academy's membership. For most categories, nomination voting is restricted to members of the corresponding branch; for instance, only members of the Directors Branch vote to nominate in that category, while all active members may nominate for Best Picture. The voting employs a preferential ballot system, particularly for Best Picture, where members rank their choices. The accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers oversees the tabulation, ensuring secrecy and integrity. Key preliminary steps often include screenings hosted by the Academy, For Your Consideration campaigns mounted by studios, and eligibility determinations by the Academy's Board of Governors.

Eligibility and rules

Eligibility is defined by strict rules set by the Academy's Board of Governors. A film must have a qualifying theatrical run in Los Angeles County for at least seven consecutive days, with at least three screenings daily, within the calendar year. Specific rules govern categories: for International Feature Film, the submission must be selected by its country of origin; for Animated Feature, a significant number of major characters must be animated. Performance categories require the actor's name to be billed onscreen, and in writing categories, the source material must be credited. The Academy frequently reviews and updates rules, such as those for the Best Picture category regarding theatrical exhibition and diversity standards.

Categories and history

The awards have expanded from 12 categories at the 1st Academy Awards in 1929 to over 20 today. Original categories included Best Actor and Best Actress, while notable additions include Supporting Actor/Actress (1936), Animated Feature (2001), and Production Design (originally called Interior Decoration). The International Feature Film category, formerly known as Foreign Language Film, was introduced in 1956. Historical milestones include the nomination of Hattie McDaniel for *Gone with the Wind*, making her the first African American nominee, and the expansion of the Best Picture nominee slate from five to up to ten films in 2009.

Impact and significance

A nomination confers immense prestige, often leading to increased box office revenue, greater home video sales, and enhanced visibility during awards season. It can define an artist's career, as seen with directors like Steven Spielberg and actors like Meryl Streep. The "Oscar bump" can influence future financing for projects and elevate the status of entire film genres or national cinemas. Nominations also generate significant media coverage and public discourse, influencing cultural conversations around representation, as highlighted by movements like #OscarsSoWhite. The recognition can cement a film's place in history, affecting its preservation and scholarly study.

Notable records and statistics

Meryl Streep holds the record for most acting nominations, with 21. Walt Disney holds the overall record with 59 nominations, primarily in short film categories. John Williams is the most-nominated living person, with over 50 nominations in music categories. Films like All About Eve (1950) and *Titanic* (1997) tie for the most nominations at 14. Kathryn Bigelow, director of The Hurt Locker, is the only woman to win Best Director. In 2017, *Moonlight* became the first LGBT-themed film to win Best Picture. The Academy Awards ceremony itself holds the record for the most nominations for a televised awards show in Emmy Award categories.

Category:Academy Awards Category:Film awards