TOKYO —

In a pivotal move to champion the enduring power of the communal cinematic experience amidst the evolving landscape of film consumption, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has announced a groundbreaking global call for nominations to identify and celebrate "Outstanding Cinemas." This ambitious initiative seeks to spotlight movie theaters that have transcended their traditional role, transforming into vibrant cultural epicenters and integral gathering places for their respective communities worldwide. The inaugural "Outstanding Cinemas List" is slated to feature 50 distinguished venues – 25 from the United States and 25 international establishments – with the aim of not only recognizing excellence but also galvanizing audiences to rediscover the magic of the big screen.

The Global Challenge to Theatrical Exhibition

The initiative emerges at a critical juncture for the theatrical exhibition sector, which has grappled with unprecedented challenges over the past decade. The rise of streaming platforms, offering unparalleled convenience and a vast library of content from the comfort of home, fundamentally reshaped consumer habits even before the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsequent global health crisis delivered a near-fatal blow, forcing widespread cinema closures and accelerating the shift towards digital distribution. Data from various industry sources paint a stark picture of this decline. In the United States and Canada, a key bellwether market, ticket sales plummeted from approximately 1.2 billion in 2019 to just over 769 million in 2025, according to figures from Pew Research, citing Nash Information Services. This represents a staggering decrease of roughly 36%, signaling a profound recalibration of audience engagement with physical cinema spaces.

Beyond the raw numbers, the pandemic exposed the fragility of many independent cinemas and even larger multiplex chains, leading to closures, bankruptcies, and a pervasive sense of uncertainty about the future of theatrical distribution. The debate around shortened theatrical windows, with films moving from cinemas to streaming platforms much faster than before, further complicated the economic model for exhibitors. For many, the very existence of the cinema as a communal space for shared cultural experiences appeared to be under threat, prompting industry leaders to seek innovative solutions to re-engage audiences and reassert the unique value proposition of the big screen.

The Academy’s Vision: Redefining the Cinema Experience

Against this backdrop, the Academy’s "Outstanding Cinemas" program represents a robust declaration of faith in the future of theatrical exhibition. Far from being merely a venue for awards, AMPAS, known globally for the Oscars, is strategically positioning itself as a proactive advocate for the entire cinematic ecosystem, from creation to consumption. The project, spearheaded by director Jason Reitman, a distinguished member of the Academy’s Board of Governors and known for films like "Juno" (2007) and "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" (2021), underscores a belief that cinemas are more than just commercial enterprises; they are vital cultural institutions.

Meredith Shea, the Academy’s Managing Director of Membership, Impact, and Industry, articulated this vision eloquently, stating, "Cinemas are anchors of communities, where people can gather to watch films, experience cinema, listen to someone tell their story." This statement encapsulates the core philosophy behind the initiative: to recognize and celebrate the intrinsic value of cinemas as hubs of social connection, cultural exchange, and shared storytelling. The program aims to shift the narrative from one of mere attendance figures to one that highlights the qualitative experience and the societal role of these venues. By emphasizing their capacity to foster community, the Academy hopes to inspire both exhibitors to elevate their offerings and audiences to return to the theaters, not just for blockbusters, but for the collective ritual of film-watching.

A Comprehensive Framework for Excellence: Evaluation Criteria Explained

The Academy’s rigorous selection process is designed to identify cinemas that exemplify excellence across a multifaceted spectrum, ensuring that the "Outstanding Cinemas List" truly reflects the pinnacle of theatrical exhibition. The call for nominations, which remains open until August 25th, invites a broad range of applicants, from intimate independent art houses to sprawling multiplex complexes, provided they are permanent physical spaces operating year-round and capable of exhibiting both new releases and repertory films.

The evaluation criteria delve deep into various aspects of a cinema’s operation and impact, moving beyond simple box office success to consider the holistic experience it offers:

  • Technical Prowess and Curatorial Depth: Paramount among the criteria is the quality of image and sound. In an era where home entertainment systems boast increasingly sophisticated technology, the theatrical experience must deliver a superior, immersive audio-visual spectacle. This includes state-of-the-art projection, pristine sound design, and comfortable viewing conditions. Equally crucial is the programming itself. The Academy seeks venues demonstrating diverse, inclusive, and thoughtfully curated programming. This could encompass showcasing films from underrepresented voices, hosting international film festivals, running retrospective series of classic cinema, or featuring independent and documentary films that might not find a mainstream release. Accessibility, both in terms of physical access for all patrons and the availability of subtitled or audio-described screenings, is also a significant consideration, reflecting a commitment to broad community engagement.

  • Community Integration and Historical Significance: The "relationship each venue maintains with its community" is deemed fundamental. This criterion probes how cinemas actively engage with their local populations – through educational programs, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, partnerships with local businesses and schools, hosting community events, or providing affordable access to cinema for various demographics. It seeks to identify theaters that are not just passive screening rooms but active participants in their local cultural fabric. Furthermore, the historical importance, preservation efforts, and architectural design of the cinema will be assessed. Many cinemas are heritage sites, embodying decades of cultural history, and their preservation speaks to a broader respect for the art form’s legacy. The condition of facilities, including seating, lobbies, and restrooms, alongside the quality and diversity of food and beverage offerings, will also contribute to the overall evaluation of the patron experience.

Applicants are required to submit comprehensive videos and detailed descriptions of their history and operational philosophies. To ensure a truly global and culturally sensitive assessment, the Academy is committed to assembling an evaluation committee with diverse international representation. This committee will be co-chaired by director Sean Baker, known for his acclaimed independent films such as "The Florida Project" (2017) and "Red Rocket" (2021), and producer Samantha Quan, both integral to the team behind "Anora," which garnered significant recognition, including an Oscar for Best Picture in 2025. The final selection and approval of the outstanding cinemas will rest with members from various branches of the Academy, ensuring a peer-driven and expert-led adjudication process.

The Road Ahead: Timeline, Application Process, and Future Expansion

The timeline for the "Outstanding Cinemas" initiative is meticulously planned, signaling a long-term commitment from the Academy. Following the August 25th application deadline, the rigorous evaluation process will commence. The inaugural "Outstanding Cinemas List," referred to as "Lista de Cines Destacados," is scheduled for public announcement in the spring of 2027. This deliberate timeframe allows for thorough review and due diligence, ensuring the credibility and prestige of the selection.

Looking further ahead, the Academy has ambitious plans for the program’s expansion. In 2028, a year that will coincide with the centennial celebration of the Academy Awards, a second selection of 50 cinemas will be unveiled. This will bring the total number of recognized venues to a significant 100 within two years, creating a comprehensive global directory of exemplary theatrical experiences. This phased approach underscores the Academy’s strategic vision to build a lasting legacy for the program, intertwining it with the historical milestone of the Oscars’ centenary.

Selected establishments will receive significant recognition and benefits. They will be prominently featured across the Academy’s official digital platforms, including its website and social media channels, providing invaluable global visibility and validation. Each recognized cinema will also be awarded a physical certification, a tangible emblem of their achievement, suitable for display in their lobbies – a mark of prestige that can attract both local patrons and international cinephiles.

Industry Context and Optimism for Revival

Despite the challenging attendance figures cited for the US and Canada, the Academy expresses a measured optimism for the future of theatrical exhibition. The 2026 release calendar, in particular, is anticipated to be the most robust for cinemas since before the pandemic. This projection is likely based on a strong slate of highly anticipated blockbusters, critically acclaimed independent features, and a renewed commitment from studios to support theatrical runs. The success of films like "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" in 2023, which collectively garnered billions at the global box office and sparked a cultural phenomenon known as "Barbenheimer," demonstrated that audiences are still willing to flock to cinemas for compelling content and a shared cultural event.

The "Outstanding Cinemas" list aims to capitalize on this burgeoning optimism. By highlighting exemplary venues, the initiative seeks to serve as an implicit invitation to the public to return to their local cinemas, not just for tentpole releases, but for a consistently high-quality and community-enriching experience. It offers a counter-narrative to the prevailing discourse of cinema’s decline, instead focusing on its resilience, innovation, and irreplaceable role in culture. This program also implicitly encourages other cinemas to strive for similar standards, fostering a broader industry-wide uplift in quality and community engagement.

Benefits and Broader Implications for the Film Ecosystem

The implications of this Academy initiative extend far beyond the immediate recognition of 100 cinemas. For the selected venues, the prestige associated with an Academy endorsement can translate into increased patronage, enhanced brand reputation, and potentially new opportunities for funding and partnerships. It validates their hard work and dedication, particularly for independent cinemas that often operate on thin margins and rely heavily on community support.

For global audiences, the "Outstanding Cinemas List" will serve as a curated guide to exceptional movie-going experiences, encouraging them to seek out and support theaters that prioritize quality, diversity, and community engagement. It offers a practical resource for cinephiles looking for the best places to watch films, whether at home or abroad.

Crucially, for the Academy itself, this program reinforces its relevance and influence in an evolving industry. By actively championing the exhibition sector, AMPAS demonstrates its commitment to the entire lifecycle of filmmaking, from the creative process to the ultimate audience experience. It positions the Academy not just as an awards-giving body, but as a cultural steward dedicated to preserving and advancing the art form in all its dimensions. This proactive engagement can also foster stronger relationships with exhibitors globally, providing valuable insights into the challenges and innovations occurring on the ground.

In a broader sense, the initiative sets a benchmark for best practices in cinema operation and community engagement. It implicitly encourages innovation in programming, facility management, and audience outreach across the industry. By celebrating the "collective experience of seeing cinema in community," the Academy is not just launching a list; it is making a profound statement about the enduring power and irreplaceable value of the shared cultural ritual that is movie-going. This project aims to convert cinemas into protagonists of a celebration that extends beyond the films themselves, focusing instead on the unique, collective human experience they facilitate.

With information from EFE.