The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, are considered the most prestigious honors in global cinema. Every year, thousands of films from around the world compete for recognition by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
But how does a film go from theatrical release to receiving an Oscar nomination or winning the golden statue?
This book explains the complete Oscar selection process step by step, from eligibility and submission to final voting.
WHAT ARE THE OSCARS?
The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), headquartered in the United States.
The awards recognize excellence in multiple areas of film making, including acting, directing, screenwriting, cinematography, music, editing, visual effects, international films, and documentaries.
Today, the Oscars are broadcast in more than 200 countries, making them the most influential global film awards.
WHO CONDUCTS THE OSCAR SELECTION?
The Oscars are administered by AMPAS, which includes over 10,000 voting members divided into 17 professional branches such as actors, directors, writers, and producers.
Membership is limited to film industry professionals. Each branch votes only within its own category, except for Best Picture, where all members are eligible to vote.
STEP 1: FILM ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Before a film can be considered for an Oscar, it must satisfy strict eligibility requirements.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY RULES
A film must be theatrically released in Los Angeles County, have a minimum seven-day theatrical run, meet technical standards for picture and sound, and be released within the Academy’s defined eligibility year.
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM CATEGORY
For non-English-language films, each country may submit only one official entry. The film must be predominantly in a non-English language, selected by the country’s official jury, and released theatrically in its home country.
STEP 2: OFFICIAL SUBMISSION BY COUNTRY OR PRODUCER
Films enter Oscar consideration through two primary submission routes.
COUNTRY SUBMISSION (INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM)
Government bodies or film federations select one film per country and submit it to the Academy before the official deadline.
INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION
For categories such as Best Picture, acting, music, documentary, and short films, producers submit their films directly to the Academy.
STEP 3: PRELIMINARY SCREENING AND SHORTLISTING
After submissions close, Academy screening committees review all eligible films.
SCREENING COMMITTEES
Committees evaluate films based on storytelling, direction, acting, technical quality, and cultural impact.
SHORTLIST ANNOUNCEMENTS
Certain categories release shortlists before final nominations, including International Feature Film, Documentary Feature, Visual Effects, Original Song, and Makeup and Hairstyling. Only shortlisted films advance.
STEP 4: OSCAR NOMINATIONS VOTING
Once shortlists are finalized, nomination voting begins.
HOW NOMINATIONS WORK
Each Academy branch votes within its own discipline. Actors vote for acting awards, directors for Best Director, writers for screenplay categories, and all members vote for Best Picture nominations.
VOTING METHOD
Voting is conducted via secure online ballots. All votes are secret and audited by an independent accounting firm. Typically, five nominees are selected per category, while Best Picture may include up to ten.
STEP 5: FINAL OSCAR VOTING PROCESS
After nominations are announced, the final voting round begins.
FINAL ROUND VOTING
All Academy members vote to select winners. Voting remains confidential, and results are sealed until the Oscar ceremony.
BEST PICTURE VOTING SYSTEM
Best Picture is chosen using a preferential ballot system, where members rank films in order of preference. This ensures the winner has broad overall support rather than a simple majority.
HOW INTERNATIONAL FILMS WIN OSCARS
For Best International Feature Film, countries submit one film each. Academy committees review all entries, shortlist fifteen films, announce five nominees, and conduct final voting to determine the winner.
Only one film per country can win in a given year.
HOW SONGS, MUSIC, AND TECHNICAL AWARDS ARE CHOSEN
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
Songs must be written specifically for the film. Fifteen songs are shortlisted, five are nominated, and the music branch selects the winner.
TECHNICAL CATEGORIES
For awards such as Visual Effects, Sound, and Editing, specialized technical committees review demonstration reels and evaluate innovation and execution.
WHY WINNING AN OSCAR IS A BIG DEAL
An Oscar win brings global recognition, increased international distribution, higher box office and streaming revenues, career-defining opportunities, and cultural prestige for the winning country.
Many Oscar-winning films experience viewership growth of 300 to 500 percent.
INDIA AND THE OSCAR PROCESS
India has submitted films to the Oscars since 1957. Notable nominations include Mother India, Salaam Bombay!, and Lagaan.
India’s landmark Oscar achievement came with the song “Naatu Naatu” from RRR, which won Best Original Song, marking a major milestone for Indian cinema.
THE FUTURE OF THE OSCARS AND INDIAN CINEMA
With the growth of streaming platforms, international film festivals, and cross-cultural storytelling, Indian cinema’s global visibility continues to increase.
Regional films, documentaries, and experimental cinema from India are gaining wider international recognition.
CONCLUSION
The Oscar selection process is complex, competitive, and highly structured. From eligibility to final voting, each stage is designed to uphold excellence and fairness.
For filmmakers, an Oscar represents more than a trophy. It is recognition of storytelling that transcends language, borders, and culture. As Indian cinema evolves, the path to Oscar success is increasingly within reach.
Subscribe Now For More articles.
