The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a new global award program designed to celebrate moviegoing and the theatrical experience. The Academy Marquee Theater List will recognize notable cinemas around the world and honor exhibition venues that deliver strong audience experiences, protect film history, and act as cultural centers in their communities. The first list is scheduled to be released in spring 2027.
Under the new program, 50 theaters will be selected for the inaugural Marquee Theater List, split evenly between 25 theaters in the United States and 25 international theaters. A committee made up of Academy members from across its branches will review and select the theaters, with final approval coming from the Academy’s Board of Governors.
To qualify, theaters must be brick-and-mortar venues that operate year-round. The Academy also said that no more than 10 theaters run by the same chain or owner can be included in a single submission cycle. The selection process will consider several factors, including community engagement, visual and audio presentation, programming, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, historic significance and preservation, theater design and lighting, overall conditions, and concessions.
Applications are now open, and more information is available on Oscars.org.
In a separate industry development announced Monday, June 1, James Cameron’s Lightstorm Vision acquired Stereotec, a manufacturer of precision 3D camera rigs. Lightstorm Vision described the company as a leading developer of integrated 3D production technology.
Stereotec’s equipment has been used on major stereoscopic productions, including “Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D),” Ang Lee’s “Gemini Man,” “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk,” and the IR-3D rig for “Dune: Part Two.” The company has also worked on immersive titles for Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro. Stereotec has received 12 Lumiere Awards from the Advanced Imaging Society for its work in stereoscopic 3D.
Cameron said the acquisition reflects a shared long-term vision for the future of 3D entertainment and the rapid advancement of production technology across film, sports, music, streaming and other media. He said Lightstorm Vision aims to stay at the forefront of high-quality and efficient 3D production as the format expands across entertainment platforms.
