Feb 10, 2026 11:58am IST
Oscars 2026: Academy Discontinues Member Screenings of Nominated Films, Cites Low Attendance
The biggest night in cinema, the Academy Awards 2026, popularly known as the Oscars, is just a few weeks away, and the frenzy surrounding the event is at its peak. Film enthusiasts across the globe are busy catching up on the nominated titles and backing their favorites. However, amid this excitement, a recent announcement from the Academy has stirred up debate.
The Academy has confirmed that it is discontinuing members-only theatrical screenings of nominated films. The decision was announced in the Academy Bulletin circulated to its members. According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, the move comes after a consistent drop in attendance at these screenings. In some cases, as few as five members were reportedly present.
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This development comes seven years after the Academy introduced its members-only streaming platform, the Academy Screening Room, which allows members to watch nominated films during the awards season.
The Academy Bulletin, according to The Hollywood Reporter, stated, “Moving forward, as turnout for our post-nomination screenings has been incredibly small over the last few years, with an average of five members attending these screenings in the last two years, we will not rescreen these films.”
The statement further noted, “Please note that, in addition to For Your Consideration screening opportunities, all nominated films are available for members to watch in the Academy Screening Room.”
The decision has drawn criticism from several quarters, with detractors pointing out the contradiction of an organization that celebrates theatrical cinema effectively directing its more-than ten-thousand members to watch nominated films at home. Academy members, who are responsible for voting across categories, include actors, writers, directors, producers, and cinematographers. Votes are counted by an independent accounting firm and remain confidential until the envelopes are opened during the ceremony.
The Oscars are scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026. This year’s nominations are led by “Sinners”, which has broken records to become the most-nominated film of all time with 16 nominations. Other prominent contenders include “The Secret Agent”, “One Battle After Another”, “Frankenstein”, “Sentimental Value”, “Marty Supreme”, and more.
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