Each year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes excellence in the motion picture industry. Hundreds of millions of movie fans turn in to watch the glamorous ceremony as members of the academy are awarded an Oscar statue.
Oscar Awards
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global organization limited to film artists working in the production of theatrically-released motion pictures. There are several membership branches to include all film crafts from Actors to Writers. Membership is achieved through sponsorship and is reviewed every spring.
The Award statuette is known by its nickname, Oscar, adopted in 1939. Origins of the name are obscure, but a popular story is that it reminded Academy librarian (and eventual executive director) Margaret Herrick of her Uncle Oscar. Officially named the Academy Award of Merit, the Oscar statuette is solid bronze and plated in 24-karat gold. It stands 13½ inches tall and weighs 8½ pounds.
Most award categories are nominated by the members of the corresponding branch; actors nominate actors, film editors nominate film editors, and so on. However, certain categories such as International Feature Film and Animated Feature Film have special voting rules. All voting members are eligible to vote on the Best Picture nominees.
Nominations and final voting are conducted using online ballots. All votes are tabulated by PricewaterhouseCoopers professional services. After final ballots are tabulated, only two partners of PricewaterhouseCoopers know the results until the famous envelopes are opened onstage during the Oscars telecast.
More info: Oscars | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Where to see the Oscar Best Picture nominees
Local libraries have lots of movies on disc to borrow and to stream for free with your library card. Many Best Picture nominees are typically available. However, the waiting lists are long. If you don’t mind waiting until after the awards have been presented, the library is a good, free option.
Streaming services typically show some Oscar-nominated films. Look for free introductory offers to stream for free…just be sure to cancel before payment kicks in. If you have a subscription to any streaming service (e.g. DirectTV, Hulu, Netflix, Prime, Sling, etc.), check the listings after Oscar nominees are announced.
An affordable option can be local movie theater screenings on the big screen. Several theaters show some most or all of the Best Picture nominated films before the awards show and some also screen Short Films. When we hear about Oscar film screenings in the Seattle area as well as Oscar night parties, we add them to our calendar below. Find a list of all nominated films at: Oscar Nominees (abc.com)
AMC Theatres Best Picture Showcase. See the Oscar Best Picture Nominees on the Big Screen before the big winners are announced. More info: Best Picture Showcase (amctheatres.com)
Cinemark Oscar Movie Week. Cinemark movie theaters (Bellevue, Federal Way, Olympia) hosts an annual Oscar Movie Week. Film aficionados can see all of the Best Picture and Best Shorts nominees on the big screen ahead of the Academy Awards. More info: See Academy Award Best Picture Nominees at Oscar Movie Week (cinemark.com)
Regal Best Picture Film Festival. See all of the 10 Best Picture Nominated films on the big screen for a limited time at Regal Theatres. More info: Oscars Must See Nominees | Regal (regmovies.com).
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