Movie theaters will become eligible via an application. A committee of Academy members comprised of members from across the organization’s branches — but without a vested interest in theaters — will make its picks of the best, which will then be submitted for the approval of the Academy’s Board of Governors.

“We are thrilled to launch the Academy Marquee Theater List, which will celebrate moviegoing and honor theaters that bring communities together through the power of cinematic storytelling,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said in a statement. “From classic movie palaces, to multiplexes, to independent cinemas, the Academy Marquee Theater List will recognize the best movie theaters around the world and unite our global film industry. We are deeply grateful to [directors branch] governor Jason Reitman for sharing the idea for this program and to the entire board of governors for their guidance and support in launching this initiative.”

To be eligible for the list, movie theaters must be brick-and-mortar theaters that operate year-round. They may show first-run films or repertory screenings. The evaluation criteria for the movie theaters include the following factors:

• Community engagement
• Visual and audio presentation
• Programming
• Diversity, inclusion and accessibility
• Historic significance and preservation
• Theater design, lighting and conditions
• Concessions

Selected movie theaters will be featured on the Academy’s digital platforms, including its website and social media channels, and will receive a physical certification to display in their lobbies.

A maximum of 10 theaters operated by the same theater chain or owner may be submitted in a single submission cycle. The application is available now, with a deadline of Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 5pm PT. There is a fee per submission, with a tiered application schedule:

THR Newsletters

Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day