The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced new representation and inclusion standards for Oscars eligibility in the Best Picture category as part of its Academy Aperture 2025 initiative. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to advance inclusion in the industry and increase representation within its membership and the greater film community.

For the 94th Oscars in 2022 and the 95th Oscars in 2023, submitting a confidential Academy Inclusion Standards form will be required for Best Picture consideration; however, meeting inclusion thresholds will not be required for eligibility in the Best Picture category until the 96th Oscars in 2024. Starting that year, a film must meet two out of the four standards to be deemed eligible.

The first standard includes on-screen representation, themes and narratives, where lead or supporting actors, the general ensemble cast or the main storyline or subject matter include people of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, women, people with cognitive or physical disabilities, or members of the LGBTQ community.

The second standard involves creative leadership and department heads – such as directors, cinematographers and writers – or the crew as a whole, which must include people of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, women, people with cognitive or physical disabilities, or members of the LGBTQ community.

The third criterion involves paid apprenticeships and internship opportunities, as well as skill development opportunities, at a film’s distribution or financing company. A portion of these opportunities must be given to people of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, women, people with cognitive or physical disabilities, or members of the LGBTQ community.

The fourth standard relates to representation in marketing, publicity and distribution. The studio or film company must have multiple in-house senior executives who are people of underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, women, people with cognitive or physical disabilities, or members of the LGBTQ community.

All categories other than Best Picture will be held to their current eligibility requirements.

For information, visit oscars.org.