Taylor Swift & Beyoncé Reportedly May Not Be Eligible For The 2024 Oscars For Documentaries On Their Tours

In the glamorous world of entertainment, where stars shine brightly, there is a buzz about two iconic figures, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, and their upcoming concert films. “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” and “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” promise to capture the magic of their world tours on the silver screen. Imagine the glitz and glamour of two of the biggest names in showbiz gracing the red carpet at the 96th Academy Awards. However, despite the excitement, it appears that neither of these films may be eligible to compete for an Academy Award nomination in the documentary feature category, or any technical category, under the current guidelines.

In the grand tapestry of the entertainment world, where creativity knows no bounds, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé stand as towering figures who continue to redefine the boundaries of their artistry. While the Oscars may not be within reach for their concert films this time around, their enduring influence on the music industry, their ability to captivate audiences worldwide, and their commitment to pushing the envelope remain undeniable. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” and “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” one thing is certain—these two iconic artists will continue to shape the future of entertainment, one unforgettable performance at a time.

Documentary Films and Oscar Eligibility

The Academy’s bylaws define a documentary film as “a theatrically released nonfiction motion picture dealing creatively with cultural, artistic, historical, social, scientific, economic, or other subjects.” These films may utilize various techniques such as partial reenactment, stock footage, stills, animation, or stop-motion, as long as their emphasis remains firmly on fact rather than fiction.

However, there’s a special rule, part B of the Special Rules Section, which states that works that are essentially promotional or instructional are not eligible, nor are works that are essentially unfiltered records of performances. This rule forms a significant roadblock for both Taylor Swift and Beyoncé’s concert films in their quest for Oscar recognition.

Missed Deadlines

Additionally, it appears that the deadline for digitally uploading a documentary feature for Oscar consideration was Monday, October 2nd, and neither film met this requirement. This timing issue further complicates their eligibility for the prestigious award.

While this may be disappointing news for fans of these global superstars, it’s not the first time that music icons have ventured into the world of long-form concert films and encountered hurdles in the awards arena. “Madonna: Truth or Dare,” which provided an intimate look at the entertainer during her controversial Blond Ambition tour in 1990, faced a similar situation. Despite a third-place mention from the National Society of Film Critics, it was ultimately considered a contender for TV documentary awards.

The Changing Landscape of Music Documentaries

Despite these challenges, music documentaries have had their moments of glory at the Oscars. Films like “Summer of Soul (… Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” directed by Questlove, which featured footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, have successfully made their way to the Oscar podium. What set these films apart was their incorporation of commentary from historians and relevant voices on the subject matter.

Even filmed versions of Broadway productions, like “Hamilton,” couldn’t qualify under the amended COVID-19 rules. These examples highlight the evolving landscape of music documentaries and their eligibility for prestigious awards.

A Grey Area for Beyoncé

Beyoncé’s film, “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” presents a unique situation. While it captures her musical performances, it also promises glimpses into her personal life, including rehearsals with her daughter Blue Ivy Carter, and appearances from her family members such as Jay-Z and her twins, Rumi and Sir. Beyoncé, a 32-time Grammy winner, already has Oscar nominations to her name for her work in music films, such as “Lemonade” (2016) and “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” (2019), which received multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

Swift’s Record-Breaking Tour

Taylor Swift’s concert film, on the other hand, documents her record-breaking stadium tour, which grossed over an astounding $2 billion. Despite missing out on potential Oscar recognition, both films are expected to make a splash in the music film category at the Grammys, but not until the 2025 ceremony due to eligibility and submission period constraints. It’s highly likely that both films will be contenders for Emmy Awards in the next awards cycle.

A Lifeline for Theaters

Beyond the realm of awards and recognition, these concert films hold significant value. They provide a lifeline to theater chains such as AMC, Regal, and Cinemark, which are still recovering from the impact of the pandemic and Hollywood strikes that have disrupted the industry.

“Eras Tour” is set to open on Friday, while “Renaissance” is scheduled for release on December 1st. While these films may not be making their way to the Oscars, they are undoubtedly set to dazzle audiences and contribute to the ongoing revival of the entertainment industry.

In conclusion, the excitement surrounding Taylor Swift and Beyoncé’s concert films may not translate into Oscars, but their impact on the world of music documentaries and the entertainment industry as a whole is undeniable.