Academy to Launch Global 'Marquee Theater List' for 100th Anniversary

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the creation of the 'Academy Marquee Theater List,' a new initiative designed to recognize and celebrate exceptional movie theaters worldwide. Launching in the spring of 2027 to coincide with the Academy’s centennial, the program will honor 50 venues—split evenly between the U.S. and international markets—that demonstrate excellence in audience experience, historical preservation, and community engagement.

This initiative serves as a strategic effort to bolster the theatrical experience in an era increasingly dominated by streaming and home entertainment. By highlighting venues that act as cultural anchors, the Academy is signaling the importance of the physical cinema space as a vital component of the film ecosystem. The selection process will be rigorous, overseen by a committee of Academy members who will evaluate applicants based on criteria such as technical presentation, programming diversity, accessibility, and architectural significance.

For theater operators, inclusion on this list offers a prestigious stamp of approval, providing both marketing value and a physical certification to display on-site. The program is open to a wide range of venues, from historic movie palaces to modern multiplexes, provided they operate year-round. With applications now open through August 2026, the Academy is positioning this list not just as an award, but as a global directory that reinforces the communal power of cinematic storytelling.