The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a new global award that “celebrates moviegoing and the great tradition of the theatrical experience”.
The Academy Marquee Theater List is “designed to recognise the most remarkable movie theatres around the world and honour the very best in exhibition”.
“The Academy will recognise theatres that provide exceptional audience experiences, preserve cinematic history and serve as cultural anchors in their communities,” a press release said.
“As we celebrate the Academy’s 100th anniversary in 2027, the Academy will select 50 theatres for the first Marquee Theater List in the spring of 2027. It will include 25 theatres from the United States and 25 international theatres.
“A committee of Academy members across all branches will select the movie theatres, and these will be approved by the Academy’s Board of Governors.”
“We are thrilled to launch the Academy Marquee Theater List, which will celebrate moviegoing and honour theatres that bring communities together through the power of cinematic storytelling,” added Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Lynette Howell Taylor.
“From classic movie palaces, to multiplexes, to independent cinemas, the Academy Marquee Theater List will recognise the best movie theatres around the world and unite our global film industry.
“We are deeply grateful to governor Jason Reitman for sharing the idea for this programme, and to the entire Board of Governors for their guidance and support in launching this initiative.”
Eligible movie theatres must be brick-and-mortar institutions that operate year-round and can be located anywhere in the world.
Theatres may show first-run films or repertory screenings. A maximum of 10 theatres operated by the same chain or owner may be submitted in a single submission cycle.
The evaluation criteria for the movie theatres include the following factors:
- Community engagement
- Visual and audio presentation
- Programming
- Diversity, inclusion and accessibility
- Historic significance and preservation
- Theatre design, lighting and conditions
- Concessions
Selected movie theatres will be featured on the Academy’s digital platforms, including its website and social media channels, and will receive a physical certification to display in their lobbies.
The application is available now, with a deadline of Tuesday 25 August 2026, at 5pm PT.
More information is available on the Academy website.
