The Academy Introduces The Academy Marquee Theater List to Honour Exceptional Movie Theaters Globally

Next year marks the 100th year of the renowned Academy Awards, aka Oscars. Marking a special occasion, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced a new global award, ‘The Academy Marquee Theater List’, which aims to honour and celebrate moviegoing and the great tradition of the theatrical experience. According to the official statement, the new honours are designed to recognize the most remarkable movie theaters around the world and honour the very best in exhibition.

Take a closer look to know what’s special at the 100th Oscars. 

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Film Academy Launches List to Recognize Exceptional Movie Theaters 

For generations, movie theaters have brought audiences together, shaped communities, and created unforgettable memories. Today, we’re excited to unveil the Academy Marquee Theater List, a new global award recognizing the theaters that set the standard for exceptional moviegoing… pic.twitter.com/cm6bTuFwIm — The Academy (@TheAcademy) June 1, 2026

Next year, the Academy is bracing itself to recognize theaters that provide exceptional audience experiences, preserve cinematic history, and serve as cultural anchors in their communities. 

As it will step into its 100th year in 2027, the Academy will be selecting a total of 50 theaters for the first Marquee Theater List in the spring of 2027. The list will comprise 25 theaters from the United States and 25 international theaters. A committee across all branches of the Academy will select the movie theaters. Later, the selected ones will be approved by the Academy’s Board of Governors. 

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor, stated, “We are thrilled to launch the Academy Marquee Theater List, which will celebrate moviegoing and honor theaters that bring communities together through the power of cinematic storytelling.” Furthermore, the Academy Marquee Theater List will recognize the best movie theaters, classic movie palaces, multiplexes, and independent cinemas around the world. To sum up, it aims to unite the global film industry. 

The CEO and President also expressed gratitude to Governor Jason Reitman for sharing the idea for the program and to the entire Board of Governors for their guidance and support in launching the initiative. The audience will now look forward to the new venture. Below are more details of the program: –

• Eligible movie theaters must be brick-and-mortar theaters that operate year-round and can be located anywhere in the world. 
• Theaters may show first-run films or repertory screenings. 
• A maximum of 10 theaters operated by the same theater chain or owner may be submitted in a single submission cycle.
• The evaluation criteria for the movie theaters include factors like community engagement, visual-audio presentation, programming, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, historic significance and preservation, theater design, lighting conditions, and concessions
• Selected movie theaters 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 until Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 5 pm PT. There is a fee per submission, with a tiered application schedule, which is as follows. 

Early: US $250    Monday, June 1 – Tuesday, June 30 

Regular: US $350    Wednesday, July 1 – Friday, July 31 

Late: US $450     Saturday, August 1 – Tuesday, August 25