Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences seeks top 50 global movie theaters

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched the ‘Featured Theaters List’, a global initiative to identify and celebrate the 50 best movie theaters in the world. The program aims to highlight the cultural and social importance of physical cinemas as community anchors in an era dominated by streaming services.

The final selection will consist of 25 venues from the United States and 25 from international locations. The list will be revealed in the spring of 2027. Proposed by filmmaker Jason Reitman, the initiative evaluates theaters based on community impact, technical standards such as image and sound fidelity, diversity, accessibility, and historical or architectural value.

Applications are open until August 25. The selection committee will be chaired by director Sean Baker and producer Samantha Quan. Eligible venues include everything from small single-screen theaters to large urban multiplexes, provided they maintain permanent year-round operations.