In anticipation of its centennial celebration in spring 2027, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled a groundbreaking new program: the Academy Marquee Theater List. This initiative aims to spotlight and honor exceptional movie theaters globally, recognizing their vital role in providing outstanding audience experiences, safeguarding cinematic heritage, and fostering community connections. The inaugural list will feature 50 theaters, with an equal split between establishments in the United States and those located internationally.

This pioneering recognition program will identify cinemas that demonstrate excellence across various criteria, including their commitment to community engagement, the quality of their visual and audio presentations, their diverse programming, efforts in promoting diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, their historical significance and preservation efforts, and the overall design, lighting, and conditions of their facilities, even extending to the quality of their concessions. The Academy underscores that these theaters are more than just venues for film viewing; they are essential cultural hubs that unite people through the compelling art of storytelling.

The selection process for this prestigious list is rigorous, requiring theaters to submit an application. A dedicated committee, composed of Academy members from various branches—and importantly, free from any direct financial interest in the theaters—will meticulously review these applications. Their recommendations will then be presented to the Academy’s Board of Governors for final approval. The Academy's CEO, Bill Kramer, and President, Lynette Howell Taylor, expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its potential to celebrate the magic of moviegoing and acknowledge the diverse range of cinemas, from historic movie palaces to modern multiplexes and independent art houses, that enrich the global film industry. They also extended gratitude to Directors Branch Governor Jason Reitman for conceiving the idea and to the Board of Governors for their unwavering support.

To qualify for consideration, movie theaters must be brick-and-mortar establishments that operate year-round, regardless of whether they primarily showcase first-run features or repertory screenings. The application window is currently open, with a submission deadline set for Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 5 PM PT. A tiered application fee structure has been established, with early submissions in June costing $250, regular submissions in July priced at $350, and late submissions in August incurring a fee of $450. Furthermore, a single theater chain or owner is permitted to submit a maximum of 10 theaters within any given submission cycle. Honored theaters will receive a physical certificate to display prominently in their lobbies and will be featured across the Academy’s digital platforms, including its official website and social media channels.

The Academy Marquee Theater List signifies a significant step in acknowledging the enduring importance of movie theaters as cornerstones of cinematic culture and community life. By recognizing these exceptional venues, the Academy aims to celebrate their contributions to the art form and inspire continued excellence within the exhibition sector, reinforcing the collective experience of watching films on the big screen.