What Does “Oscar-Qualifying” Actually Mean for Filmmakers?

“Oscar-qualifying” is a misunderstood phrases in the film festival world.

It sounds like a golden ticket. Like if your film plays at an Oscar-qualifying festival, you’re suddenly on the fast track to the Academy Awards.

That’s not how it works.

Here’s what it actually means — and just as importantly, what it doesn’t mean.

Playing an Oscar-qualifying festival does not qualify your film for an Oscar

This is the most important thing to understand.