The Academy yesterday announced a list of key submission dates for the 88th Academy Awards, to be held on Sunday 28th February 2016.
The music categories and general submission of films, i.e. for Best Picture consideration is December, but as always the short film and documentary categories are earlier. This is because the eligibility period differs somewhat from the main feature films. Generally a feature film must have had a theatrical release in Los Angeles for seven consecutive days during the calendar year. Short Films must however meet the qualifying criteria between October 1st 2014 and September 30th 2015.
The list of submission deadlines is below:
Scientific & Technical Awards 10th July Documentary Short 1st September Documentary Feature 21st September Animated Short Film 1st October Live Action Short Film 1st October Foreign Language Film 1st October Animated Feature Film 30th October Original Score 2nd December Original Song 2nd December General Entry/OSC Form 2nd December
Of course these dates only have a direct impact on the filmmakers and producers with something to submit, but there is an effect on us too.
Submission dates will influence release dates and, particularly with short film subjects, the peaks of promising releases will be driven less by the time of year and more by the film festival calendar. So if you’re interested in nailing your Oscar predictions, remember not to consider any festival after September.
La La Film 