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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A total of 321 feature films have been ruled eligible for consideration for the 96th Academy Awards, including 265 eligible in the top category of best picture, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday.
Eligibility rules for this year's awards require feature films to open in a commercial motion picture theater in at least one of six U.S. metropolitan areas -- Los Angeles County; the city of New York; the Bay Area; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia -- between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2023. The films must complete a minimum qualifying run of seven consecutive days in the same venue.
Feature films must have a running time of more than 40 minutes, according to the Academy.
To qualify for best picture consideration, films must meet several additional criteria, including the filing of an Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards form.
Academy voting on nominations will begin Thursday, ending Jan. 16. Nominations will be announced Jan. 23, and the Oscars will be presented March 10 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.