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- What the Academy Marquee Theater List will celebrate
- Which theaters can apply and what counts as eligible
- How the selection process works
- What the Academy will evaluate
- Application details, timeline, and fees
- Who proposed the idea and what leaders are saying
- Why this matters for moviegoing and film culture
The Academy is launching a global honor for movie theaters as part of its build-up to the Oscars’ 100th anniversary. The new program will spotlight cinemas that keep film culture alive, from grand old movie palaces to neighborhood independent screens.
What the Academy Marquee Theater List will celebrate
The Academy Marquee Theater List is a yearly roster of 50 standout cinemas. It will feature 25 theaters in the United States and 25 international venues. The aim is to recognize theaters that deliver excellent filmgoing experiences and strengthen communities through cinema.
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Which theaters can apply and what counts as eligible
Only physical, year-round movie theaters qualify. That includes venues that show new releases as well as those that run repertory or archival programs. Drive-ins or pop-ups are not the focus; brick-and-mortar locations are required.
Key eligibility points
- Theater must be a permanent, year-round operation.
- First-run and repertory programming are both acceptable.
- Submissions are open from theaters worldwide.
- A single owner can submit up to ten theaters per cycle.
How the selection process works
A committee of Academy members across all branches will review submissions and vote on the list. Their selections then go to the Academy’s Board of Governors for final approval. To prevent conflicts, any Academy member with a direct interest in a theater is barred from serving on the selection committee.
Governance and safeguards
- Committee members represent multiple Academy branches.
- The Board of Governors gives final sign-off.
- Members with a vested interest in specific theaters cannot participate.
What the Academy will evaluate
Applications will be judged using a range of factors that reflect both technical quality and community value. The Academy listed several scoring areas to guide voters.
- Community engagement: Events, outreach, and local partnerships.
- Visual and audio presentation: Projection quality, sound, and upkeep.
- Programming: Curatorial strength and variety.
- Diversity and accessibility: Inclusive offerings and accessibility features.
- Historic significance: Preservation and cultural legacy.
- Theater design and conditions: Comfort, lighting, and maintenance.
- Concessions: Food and beverage service and guest experience.
Application details, timeline, and fees
The submission portal is live now. The Academy requires an application fee to enter theaters for consideration, though the public announcement did not specify the amount. All entries must be submitted by the stated deadline.
- Deadline: Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT.
- Fee: Submission requires payment; details are provided in the application.
- Limit per owner: Up to 10 theaters can be submitted by the same chain or owner.
Who proposed the idea and what leaders are saying
The initiative originated from an Academy governor who suggested recognizing theaters as cultural hubs. The Board backed the proposal and helped shape the program ahead of the Academy’s centennial in 2027.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor praised the new list as a way to honor venues that foster community through film. They called the program a celebration of cinemas large and small and thanked the governor who proposed the idea for his contribution.
Why this matters for moviegoing and film culture
By spotlighting theaters, the Academy aims to raise public awareness of cinema spaces that preserve film history and deliver quality screenings. The recognition may boost attendance and support preservation efforts for venues with historic value.
Potential impact for theaters
- Increased visibility nationally and internationally.
- Stronger community support and potential funding opportunities.
- Validation of technical and curatorial excellence.
