Archive notice: This article was originally published on July 6, 2012. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has accepted some of the proposed changes for the upcoming Academy Awards on February 24, 2013. Previously, only seven to ten films were included on the shortlist for the "Visual Effects" category; from now on, there must be ten.
In the "Music (Original Song)" category, in which only two to three songwriters were previously allowed to be nominated, four will now be considered. Films submitted for the "Foreign Language Film" category must still be in 35mm or DCP format, but no longer necessarily have to run in cinemas in these formats as well. In addition, the "Makeup" category has been expanded to include hair and is now called "Makeup and Hairstyling."
The DP editorial team would have another suggestion for a rule change for the Academy: please nominate only good films and not just a few. But as is well known, a good film is unfortunately in the eye of the beholder, and there is no arguing about taste…
Here once again is a look back at the major winner at the 2012 Academy Awards: "The Artist." Special effects and sound were not needed for a victory.
