The Motion Picture Academy has turned down a request from producers Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Sarah Anthony to reconsider its ruling that deemed their documentary, Kiss the Future, ineligible for Oscar consideration. The film, which highlights the siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s and the inspiration drawn from U2’s music during this tumultuous time, achieved a notable theatrical run across more than 130 AMC theaters—one of the widest distributions for a documentary since the pandemic. However, the Academy determined that it did not meet the requirement of three daily screenings in qualifying markets, citing a technicality.
In an August 20 letter reviewed, the producers argued that despite the film’s significant festival presence—including accolades from the Berlinale and Tribeca Film Festival—it fell short of the screening frequency in major markets like New York and Los Angeles due to AMC’s scheduling errors. The Academy responded that while the appeal was thoroughly discussed, the decision was final, emphasizing fairness and consistency in its processes.
Director Nenad Cicin-Sain expressed devastation over the disqualification, noting the filmmakers’ intention to secure a wider release, which they believed aligned with the Academy’s goals. He pointed out that the strict adherence to rules ignored the film’s extensive exhibition history. Cicin-Sain further revealed that the film initially planned a limited release in December 2023 but opted for a broader distribution with AMC instead.
The Academy’s guidelines stipulate that a documentary must be publicly exhibited in major U.S. metro areas for at least seven consecutive days, with screenings occurring three times daily. Despite the high critical acclaim and a strong audience reception—boasting a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—the film’s premiere on Paramount+ before its theatrical release ultimately contributed to its ineligibility.
While the Academy acknowledged the programming error, it clarified that there is no official appeals process for eligibility disputes. In response to the Academy’s rejection, Artists Equity, co-founded by Damon and Affleck, reiterated their support for the film and its timely message amid global crises, appealing for reconsideration to highlight themes of unity and resilience in challenging times.
Related topic:
How Many Oscars Did Titanic Win?
What Is The New King Kong Movie Rated?