September 15, 5 p.m. is the deadline for filmmakers to submit documentary features to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for consideration for the 84th Academy Awards®.
To be eligible, the documentaries must complete seven-day commercial runs in both Los Angeles County and the Borough of Manhattan in New York between September 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011. (The September 1 to December 31 period is one-time only; in future years, eligibility will follow only the calendar year.)
For films completing their qualifying runs by August 15, all paperwork must be completed and received by the Academy no later than 30 days after the end of the qualifying runs. For films completing their qualifying runs after August 15, all paperwork, including legal contracts, must be completed and received by the Academy by the September 15 deadline.
Each completed entry form must be accompanied by supporting materials, including an English-language synopsis of the film, a list of film credits, filmographies of the director(s) and producer(s) when applicable, 30 DVD copies of the film, and proof of seven-day qualifying exhibitions.