Pandemic forces Academy to break with Oscars tradition for streaming films

For the first time, and only for this year, movies that debuted on a streaming service without a theatrical run will be eligible

The Academy Awards will for the first time allow films that debuted on a streaming service without a theatrical run to be eligible for nominations, a break with tradition in direct response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Academy announced the new criteria for the Oscars in a statement on Tuesday. The change is not permanent, however, and will only apply to films released this year.