Academy Honors Theaters with New Global Award

In recognition of cinematic history and community engagement, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will launch the Academy Marquee Theater List in spring 2027. This global award aims to celebrate moviegoing and honor theaters that provide exceptional audience experiences. The initiative, proposed by Governor Jason Reitman, will recognize 50 theaters worldwide: 25 from the United States and 25 international selections.

A committee of Academy members will select the theaters, considering factors such as community engagement, audio-visual presentation, programming diversity, historic significance, and preservation. Eligible theaters must be brick-and-mortar venues operating year-round, showing either first-run or repertory films.

Selected theaters will not receive an Oscar statuette but will be featured on the Academy's digital platforms and receive a physical certification. Applications are currently open, with a deadline of Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 5pm PT. Submission fees vary, with an early bird discount available for applications submitted between June 1 and June 30, 2026.

This award comes at a critical time for many theaters, which faced significant challenges during the pandemic. The Academy hopes this recognition will encourage the exhibition community to maintain state-of-the-art facilities and enhance the overall movie-watching experience.