Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Contest Oscar Disqualification of "Kiss the Future

"Kiss the Future," a documentary by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, has been disqualified from the 2025 Oscars due to insufficient theatrical showings. The producers contest this decision, arguing that their film met the necessary criteria. The controversy raises concerns about the clarity of Oscar eligibility rules in the film industry.

The documentary "Kiss the Future," produced by renowned actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, has stirred controversy after being disqualified from contention for the 2025 Oscars. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ruled that the film did not meet the necessary criteria for a wide theatrical release, which is a prerequisite for eligibility.

The Academy's decision stems from the film's limited showings, as it only played in 139 AMC theaters across major cities like Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Atlanta, with just two screenings per day. According to the Academy's Rule 12, films must have a minimum of three daily showings in order to qualify for the prestigious awards.

In response to the disqualification, the producers—Affleck, Damon, and Sarah Anthony—have publicly criticized the ruling. They argue that the film's distribution should satisfy Oscar requirements, as it played in multiple locations, thereby exceeding the minimum screening requirement when considering all theaters. Following the announcement, many social media users weighed in, suggesting that the guidelines do not explicitly state that three daily showings must occur at a single theater, indicating a potential misunderstanding in the Academy's assessment.

"Kiss the Future," directed by Nenad Cicin-Sain, focuses on the siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s and highlights how the music of U2 provided hope and resilience to the city's residents. The documentary premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and has received critical acclaim, including nominations for the Cinema for Peace Award and an Audience Award win at the Sarajevo Film Festival.

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The situation raises questions about the transparency of the Academy’s rules and the ongoing dialogue around eligibility criteria for independent films in Hollywood's competitive awards season.