An Oscar-qualifying release, sometimes also called four walling, [a] is the nominal theatrical run of a direct-to-video or direct-to-digital motion picture to meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the Academy Awards. [2]
Because the Academy Awards require theatrical showing of an entrant film for award consideration, many productions unable to achieve non-video or non-digital release nonetheless screen in a very limited number of theaters in order to qualify for possible awards nomination. In many cases, the producer will pay the theater to screen the film. [1] [2]
The requirements for an Oscar-qualifying release as of 2025 include a film being shown for one-week in a theater located in Dallas, Texas; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; the San Francisco Bay Area; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; or Atlanta, Georgia. To be considered for the Academy Award for Best Picture, a more stringent theatrical showing requirement is in place, requiring showing in multiple cities. [3] [4]
Some independent theaters provide producers "Oscar-qualifying" packages. [2] [1] For instance, as of 2025 the Roxie Theater in San Francisco, California charges makers of short films $950 to screen their production for one week in order to achieve awards eligibility. [5]