The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched a global call for movie theaters to apply for a new list celebrating the top 50 cinema venues on the planet.
The organization will select 25 venues in the United States and 25 international theaters, creating an inaugural selection that will be revealed in the spring of 2027.
Eligible entries must be physical venues that operate permanently throughout the year, whether they screen brand-new releases or repertory film programs.
Meredith Shea, the Academy's chief executive of membership, impact, and industry, said in an interview with EFE that the initiative aims to highlight the role cinemas play as vital community anchors. Shea explained that the organization wants to show how important it is for audiences to gather, experience cinema together, and listen to shared stories.
Selection Criteria for Featured Theaters
The initiative, named the Featured Theaters List, was proposed to the Academy's Board of Governors by director Jason Reitman, who directed the 2007 film Juno. Shea noted that Reitman's proposal generated immediate enthusiasm across the board, prompting the organization to move quickly to establish evaluation criteria for the inaugural list.
Some industry observers have already compared the program to a Michelin guide for movie theaters. Applications for the project remain open until August 25.
Shea emphasized that eligible venues range from single-screen operations in small towns to large urban multiplexes. What unites them is a shared mission to bring audiences together around a movie screen.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, best known for presenting the annual Oscar statuettes in Los Angeles, represents film professionals across multiple branches of the movie industry. By creating this initiative, the institution aims to honor the community venues that bring cinematic works to the public.
Committee Leadership and Application Details
To apply, theaters must submit video material alongside a descriptive summary of their history and operational structure. The Academy will ensure the selection committee includes global representation so members can evaluate venues in their own country or region. Shea stated that this setup will provide a comprehensive perspective when reviewing all applications.
The selection committee announced this week is co-chaired by director Sean Baker and producer Samantha Quan, key figures behind the film Anora, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2025. Committee members chosen from across all branches of the Academy will review and approve the final selections.
Sean Baker and Samantha Quan earned widespread acclaim for Anora, an independent feature that achieved both festival success and major award recognition. Their leadership on the panel highlights the initiative's focus on diverse theatrical spaces.
Evaluating the Moviegoing Experience
Evaluators will assess candidate venues across multiple aspects of the moviegoing experience rather than relying solely on historical status or film schedules. Criteria include picture and sound quality, community engagement, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
The committee will also review historical significance, building preservation, physical design, overall theater condition, and the quality of food and beverage offerings.
Shea noted that the established guidelines cover every dimension of the cinema experience. She explained that each venue will be judged on what it contributes to its local community and what makes its story unique.
Encouraging Audiences Back to Theaters
The launch comes as theaters work to assert their place in an industry increasingly dominated by home streaming services. Cinema attendance in the United States and Canada has struggled to reach levels recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data from Pew Research, citing statistics from Nash Information Services, shows that North American ticket sales fell from 1.2 billion in 2019 to 769.2 million in 2025.
Despite those figures, the 2026 theatrical release calendar is projected to be the strongest for exhibition since before the pandemic. Shea expressed confidence that the initiative will deliver impact far beyond a symbolic gesture.
She indicated that as the first program of its kind, the project could inspire moviegoers to visit listed neighborhood theaters and celebrate their inclusion on the global stage.
Roadmap to the 2028 Oscar Centennial
The inaugural list set for publication in spring 2027 will mark the first phase of a broader multi-year initiative. Shea explained that the Academy expects to learn valuable lessons during the first year to help guide future iterations.
The organization plans to publish a second list of 50 additional theaters in 2028, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Academy Awards. The two lists combined will recognize a total of 100 venues worldwide.
Shea highlighted the symbolic connection between the milestone and the program, questioning why the Academy should not mark its 100th year by celebrating 100 movie theaters.
Selected theaters will receive prominent visibility across the Academy's digital platforms, including its official website and social media channels. Each chosen venue will also receive a physical certificate to display in its lobby.
