A diverse audience sitting in a dimly lit, modern cinema hall watching a movie on a large screen. — The Academy Marquee Theater List honors the venues that keep the communal magic of cinema alive.

The Academy Unveils the Marquee Theater List: A New Global Honor for Exceptional Movie Theaters

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched the Academy Marquee Theater List to recognize 50 outstanding movie theaters worldwide in celebration of the organization’s upcoming 100th anniversary. This new initiative honors venues that provide exceptional audience experiences, preserve cinematic history, and serve as vital cultural anchors within their communities.

RMN Stars Academy Desk
New Delhi | June 2, 2026

Honoring the Magic of the Big Screen

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) recently announced a prestigious new global award: The Academy Marquee Theater List. This initiative is specifically designed to celebrate the great tradition of the theatrical experience and honor the very best in film exhibition.

As the Academy approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, it will select an inaugural list of 50 theaters—comprised of 25 domestic venues within the United States and 25 international locations. The selection process will be rigorous, involving a committee of Academy members from all branches, with final approval granted by the Academy’s Board of Governors.

A Vision for Global Unity in Cinema

The program was inspired by an idea from Governor Jason Reitman and has received enthusiastic support from Academy leadership.

“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,” stated Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor. The leaders emphasized that the list will recognize a diverse range of venues, from classic movie palaces and multiplexes to independent cinemas, effectively uniting the global film industry.

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Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

To be eligible for this honor, movie theaters must be brick-and-mortar establishments that operate year-round. These theaters can be located anywhere in the world and may showcase either first-run films or repertory screenings. However, theater chains or owners are limited to a maximum of 10 submissions per cycle.

The Academy will evaluate theaters based on several key factors, including:

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

Theaters selected for the list will receive significant recognition, including being featured across the Academy’s digital and social media platforms, as well as receiving a physical certification to display prominently in their lobbies.

Important Deadlines and Application Details

The application process is currently open, and theater owners are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of tiered pricing. The final deadline for all submissions is Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT.

The submission fee schedule is as follows: