FAQ: Documentary Awards
- Can my film play on television, cable, pay per view, on demand, the Internet, or in other similar venues and still be eligible for Academy Award consideration?
Yes, but not before its theatrical release has begun.
- My film was broadcast on television in a foreign country for one night before it opened theatrically in the U.S. Is it still eligible?
No. Television broadcast of any kind anywhere in the world that takes place before a documentary’s qualifying theatrical release disqualifies it from Awards consideration.
- What about DVD sales?
DVD sales are allowed on the first day of a theatrical run.
- What about schools and film festivals?
Documentaries may play in schools and at film festivals without affecting their eligibility.
- Does this mean I can’t run a trailer on the Internet?
Trailers are fine as long as the footage totals no more than ten minutes or ten percent of the film’s running time, whichever is less.
- I would like to name the executive producer as the second possible nominee for my film.
Only individuals with a director or producer credit are eligible to receive an Oscar.
- The entry form only allows for two possible nominees but another person who worked on the film definitely deserves an Award.
A maximum of two individuals may receive the Oscar for any documentary. In extremely rare circumstances, a third individual may be added.
- My film has already opened and I didn’t realize I had to submit a Theatrical Screening Information Form before that. What can I do
Call the Awards Office and request a form as soon as possible.
- My assistant filled out the form and made some mistakes. Will you make the changes?
It is your responsibility as the filmmaker to make sure that all information on the entry form is accurate. When you sign the entry form, you are agreeing that the information on the form is correct.
- I hired a company to take care of the submission, but they did not film out the forms correctly and they forgot to mail it on time. What can I do.
Again, it is the filmmaker’s responsibility to make sure that all paperwork is correct and arrives at the Academy by the deadline.
- Does HD-Cam meet the digital requirements?
Only a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) meets our digital requirements.
- I submitted my documentary last year, but since then I’ve added different material and removed other material. Can I submit it again?
No. We do not accept works in progress; the version submitted to the Academy must be the final and definitive version of your film.
- My film won awards at several film festivals. Can I include that information on the DVD?
The DVD should include only the film you are submitting without any additional information or special features. The DVD label must show only the title and running time. No contact information should be included. Your DVDs will be placed in plain cases and distributed to voting members.
- What advertisements are required?
The ad may be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. However, it must be a minimum of one inch by two inches and must include the film title, exhibition times and dates for all screenings of the film. The ad must run in The New York Times, Time Out New York or The Village Voice (New York); Los Angeles Times or LA Weekly (Los Angeles). We hope that you want an audience for your film as much as we do and will advertise your film with that in mind.
