The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched a new global initiative, the Academy Marquee Theater List, an annual‑style award designed to celebrate moviegoing and honor the world’s most remarkable brick‑and‑mortar theaters. The program recognizes venues that deliver exceptional audience experiences, protect cinematic heritage and act as cultural anchors in their communities as the Academy approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027.
What Is the Academy Marquee Theater List?
The Academy Marquee Theater List is a new global recognition dedicated to the “very best in exhibition,” spotlighting movie theaters that embody the tradition and future of the theatrical experience. It is open to theaters worldwide and highlights both first‑run and repertory venues that operate year‑round.
Selected theaters will be showcased across the Academy’s digital platforms, including its website and social media, and will receive a physical certification to display in their lobbies, signaling their status as part of a prestigious, Academy‑curated list.
Timeline and Number of Theaters Selected
To coincide with the Academy’s centennial, the inaugural Marquee Theater List will be unveiled in the spring of 2027. For this first edition, the Academy will select 50 theaters in total:
- 25 theaters from the United States
- 25 theaters from international locations
A committee of Academy members drawn from all branches will review submissions and choose the theaters, with the final selections approved by the Academy’s Board of Governors.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is focused on genuine, physical movie theaters that maintain an ongoing presence in their communities. To qualify, a venue must:
- Be a brick‑and‑mortar theater (no pop‑up or purely virtual spaces).
- Operate year‑round.
- Be located anywhere in the world.
- Show either first‑run films or repertory screenings (or both).
There is a cap for larger operators: a maximum of 10 theaters per chain or owner can be submitted during a single application cycle.
Evaluation Criteria
The Academy will evaluate theaters using a multi‑factor framework that looks at both artistry and community impact. Key criteria include:
- Community engagement: how actively the theater connects with and serves its local audience.
- Visual and audio presentation: projection quality, sound, and overall technical standards.
- Programming: breadth, depth and curatorial strength, including first‑run, repertory and special events.
- Diversity, inclusion and accessibility: commitment to representing a wide range of voices and ensuring access for all audiences.
- Historic significance and preservation: role in film history, architectural heritage, and conservation efforts.
- Theater design, lighting and conditions: overall environment, comfort, and ambience.
- Concessions: quality and uniqueness of the food and beverage experience.
This combination ensures that both classic movie palaces and modern multiplexes, as well as independent cinemas, can compete on their own strengths.
Leadership and Vision Behind the Program
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor describe the Marquee Theater List as a way to “celebrate moviegoing and honor theaters that bring communities together through the power of cinematic storytelling.” They emphasize that the list will encompass classic movie palaces, multiplexes and independent cinemas, reinforcing the Academy’s role in uniting a global film community around the theatrical experience.
The Academy has credited Governor Jason Reitman with sharing the original idea for the program and thanked the entire Board of Governors for their guidance and support in launching the initiative.
Application Process and Fees
Applications for the Academy Marquee Theater List are open now, with a deadline of Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PT. There is an application fee with a tiered schedule based on when theaters submit:
- Early: US $250
- Monday, June 1 – Tuesday, June 30
- Regular: US $350
- Wednesday, July 1 – Friday, July 3
- Late: US $450
- Saturday, August 1 – Tuesday, August 25
Theaters aiming to minimize costs and maximize their chances of visibility are encouraged to apply during the early window rather than waiting for the regular or late periods.
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