Oscar Best Picture Eligibility Criteria Explained: Why ‘Kanguwa’, ‘Aadujeevitham’ Earn Place Compared to ‘Missing Ladies’

According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ evolving rulebook, for a feature film to be considered for general entry categories at the Oscars, including Best Picture, it must first meet a basic dramatic criteria. This includes a minimum of seven days of commercial operation within the calendar year in at least one of the six major US metropolitan areas – Los Angeles, New York, Bay Area, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth or Atlanta.

But for the best picture, the requirements don’t stop there. Since the implementation of the Academy’s Representation and Inclusion Standards (RAISE) in 2024, films competing for the top prize will have to overcome additional hurdles.

The RAISE initiative mandates that films meet at least two of the four diversity standards. These include on-screen representation, where subject matter or actors reflect underrepresented groups; Diversity in key creative leadership roles or crew positions; Industry access opportunities, such as internships or traineeships for marginalized groups; and inclusive marketing or promotional strategies. Best Picture nominees must also complete an extended theatrical run in at least ten of the top 50 US markets within 45 days of their initial release. These updated rules have obviously made the Academy’s highest honor more inclusive, but they’ve also created an uphill climb for some contenders.

Now in its second year, the RAISE standards have also sparked significant debate. Some see them as overdone; Others, as performative hoops that do little to reward artistry. Many international films, documentaries and animated features often do not hesitate to compete for Best Picture, afraid of the double burden of dramatic extension and RAISE compliance.

Advocates argue that the benchmark is a necessary step toward creating a more equitable film industry. However, critics warn that they risk marginalizing small, independent films from under-resourced regions – films that may lack the means to meet extended theatrical and inclusion requirements, even if they are artistically superior. Be better than. Several acclaimed international and documentary features did not qualify for Best Picture despite qualifying in other categories. Involved The Remarkable Lives of Ibelin, The Girl with the Needle, Dahomey, Frieda, Armand And universal language,

Conspicuous absence of Kiran Rao missing ladiesFrom the shortlist for Best International Feature, let alone Best Picture, the Film Federation of India’s (FFI) disappointing tradition of fumbling the ball continues. The omission had previously reignited the perennial debate over the FFI’s selection process, which has long faced criticism for its opaque decision-making and perceived incompetence, resulting in countless deserving films being rejected due to narrow-mindedness and poor campaign strategies. The reasons are shrouded in obscurity.

Meanwhile, the six Indian films qualifying for Best Picture offer quite a diverse slate. Of these, the inclusion of AWIAL was a decision taken without thinking. Already laden with international fame and previous nominations, its portrayal of Mumbai’s working class could go down well with voters eager for authentic, auteur-driven storytelling. On the contrary, CanguvaEligibility seems emblematic of the Academy’s occasional fascination with over-the-top spectacle, a la RRR,

then there is girls will be girlsShuchi Talati’s coming-of-age drama that took film festivals by storm, National Award-winning Blessies Aadujeevitham: Life of the Goat and the UK’s official presentation at the Academy this year, Satisfactionjoining them Swatantra Veer Savarkara polarizing historical biopic, and effigyAn experimental Bengali film.

As the countdown to the nominations begins, the question remains: will any of these films manage to take home the coveted Best Picture award?

The Oscars will be held on March 2 at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Nominations will be announced on January 17.