Campaign Regulations Announced for 87th Oscars®

A few highlights from the press release:

1. Screenings.

The Academy encourages the screening of eligible films in a theatrical setting for its members.

• Prior to the announcement of nominations, screenings presented by or funded by film companies may be followed by a Q&A session or similar live participation by persons associated with the film. Additionally, such screenings may be preceded or followed by a reception and complimentary food and beverage.
• After nominations are announced, and until the final polls close, Academy members may be invited to a maximum of four screenings of a nominated film that are preceded or followed by filmmaker Q&As. In the UK, a fifth such event will be permitted. All participants in such Q&As other than the moderator must be nominated or have been eligible for nomination.
• After nominations are announced, and until the final polls close, no screening event may include a reception or otherwise offer complimentary food or beverages.
• After nominations are announced, no Academy member may be listed as a “host” of a screening and no Academy member may serve as moderator for a Q&A, unless that member is directly associated with the film.
• These limitations do not apply to official Q&A screenings held by the Academy or the various guilds.

4. Websites. 

References or links to a website that promotes an eligible film are permitted in mailings, e-mail and other communications to members only if such a website does not contain photographic, audio, video, graphical and other multimedia elements normally found in websites.

• In other words, referring to a website is permissible only if the website contains the same type of basic screening information and synopses that would be allowed in email or direct mailings, presented in a similar format.
• However, such websites may include a link to the video on the Academy’s membership website containing the film’s question and answer session at the Academy.
• All websites, regardless of their purpose, function and appearance, must adhere to the Academy’s other rules concerning eligibility and use of the Academy’s intellectual properties. Additional information concerning those rules can be obtained by contacting the Academy or accessing the Academy’s website at www.oscars.org/legal.

7. Packaging of Screeners. 

Whether housing single or multiple screeners, elaborate or promotional packaging is not permitted.

• The packaging of screeners should be limited to simple sleeves or boxes. Outer packaging on boxes housing multiple screeners must likewise be simple in design.
• A film’s basic title treatment may appear on the packaging.
• Packaging for individual screeners may carry a list of “for your consideration” credits and a brief, unembellished synopsis. Tag lines, advertising or promotional copy are not permitted.
• Packaging for a single screener should be no larger than standard DVD jewel box dimensions (approximately 1/2” thick).
• Whether housing single or multiple screeners, elaborate or promotional packaging is not permitted.

8. Music.

Before nominations are announced, CDs of eligible scores may be sent to members of the Music Branch only.

• The music on the CD must be the same as the music used in the finished film.
• Each music track on the CD must be titled and include the name of the composer(s). The titles must match the corresponding title and composer(s) listed on the cue sheet that is submitted as part of the Original Score entry process.
• Only the tracks written specifically for the film by the eligible composer(s) may be included on the CD. Music written by other composers, licensed music or music that is in any other way ineligible may not be included (even if written by the eligible composer).
• No CDs of songs may be sent to any Academy member before nominations are announced. (Song nomination procedures already provide Music Branch voters with access to the eligible songs in the context of the motion picture.)
• Music Branch members may not contact other Music Branch members to promote the nomination of their own song in any way, including via mail, email, telephone or social media account.
• Music Branch members may not attend any special live performances of eligible songs unless attached to a screening.

After nominations are announced, CDs of nominated scores and songs may be sent to any Academy member, although no member may be sent duplicate CDs.

• CDs of nominated scores must adhere to the same guidelines regarding content as described above.
• CDs of songs must be identical to the version that is heard in the motion picture.

So long as it is done in accordance with the above guidelines, in addition to CDs, it is also permissible to distribute songs and scores digitally by providing members the ability to access or download music at a website.

• The members may be sent a letter or e-mail informing them where and how to perform the download.
• The letter or e-mail must conform to Regulation #3, and the website at which members can access the music must conform to Regulation #4.
• In the course of executing the download, companies may not install cookies, Web bugs, software agents or similar items on a member’s computer for any purpose, including for the purpose of collecting data or tracking online activity.
• Neither video excerpts nor sheet music may be sent at any time.
• All members should be given the chance to opt out of receiving CDs.

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has updated regulations for how companies and individuals may market movies and achievements eligible for the 87th Academy Awards® to Academy members.  The most significant changes affect the Music category.

Music Branch members may not contact other Music Branch members to promote the nomination of their own song in any way, including via mail, email, telephone or social media.  Additionally, Music Branch members may not attend any special live performances of eligible songs unless attached to a screening.

For the complete award campaign regulations, visit oscars.org/regulations.

The Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 22, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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ABOUT THE ACADEMY 
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world’s preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards–in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners–Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.

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