Sarah had been scrolling through streaming services for twenty minutes, overwhelmed by endless choices but craving something truly special. She wanted to watch a great film—something that would stick with her long after the credits rolled. Her finger hovered over countless titles, but nothing felt quite right.
Then she remembered the magic of seeing “Parasite” on the big screen during its Oscar run. The communal gasps, the shared silence during tense moments, the way the theater felt electric with anticipation. Streaming was convenient, sure, but it couldn’t replicate that raw emotional connection.
Now, movie lovers like Sarah have an incredible opportunity coming their way. Regal Cinemas has just announced something that will make film enthusiasts everywhere jump with excitement.
A Cinema Lover’s Dream Come True
Regal has partnered with Focus Features to bring 31 best picture nominated movies back to theaters throughout March. This isn’t just any random movie marathon—it’s a carefully curated celebration called “And the Award Goes to…” that spans nearly a century of cinematic excellence.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. With the 98th Academy Awards ceremony set for March 15, these theatrical screenings build anticipation while giving audiences the chance to experience award-winning films the way they were meant to be seen.
“Building anticipation for the 98th Oscars ceremony on March 15, Regal is bringing 31 awards season favorites back to theatres, including the 10 films competing for the Best Picture statue,” explains Regal’s Brooks LeBoeuf. “We partnered with Focus Features to showcase some of the best filmmaking over nearly 100 years of the Academy Awards in the sacred space of our movie theatres.”
This collaboration represents something bigger than just ticket sales. It’s about honoring the theatrical experience at a time when many wondered if cinema culture would survive the streaming boom.
What Movies Are Coming Back and Why It Matters
The selection includes both this year’s Best Picture nominees and previous Oscar winners that have shaped cinema history. While the complete lineup hasn’t been fully revealed, the collection promises to span decades of groundbreaking storytelling.
Here’s what we know about the “And the Award Goes to…” series:
- All 10 current Best Picture nominees will be included
- 21 additional Oscar-winning or nominated films from cinema history
- Special reduced pricing at $7.99 per ticket
- Screenings begin in early March
- Available at participating Regal locations nationwide
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of Films | 31 Best Picture nominated movies |
| Ticket Price | $7.99 (reduced from regular pricing) |
| Duration | Month-long series throughout March |
| Oscar Ceremony Date | March 15, 2026 |
| Booking Options | Theater box office, mobile app, online |
The reduced ticket pricing makes this particularly appealing for film students, families, and anyone who’s been priced out of regular theater visits. At under eight dollars, it’s cheaper than most streaming rental fees—and you get the full cinematic experience.
“This gives people who might have missed these films during their original runs a second chance to see them properly,” notes cinema programming expert Maria Rodriguez. “There’s something irreplaceable about watching a Best Picture winner with a crowd of people who appreciate great filmmaking.”
Why This Matters for Movie Lovers Right Now
The return of these best picture nominated movies comes at a crucial moment for the film industry. Theaters have been fighting to prove their continued relevance in an increasingly digital world, and initiatives like this show they’re not giving up without a fight.
For moviegoers, this represents several valuable opportunities:
- Catching up on Oscar nominees before the ceremony
- Experiencing classic films on the big screen for the first time
- Introducing younger viewers to cinema history
- Supporting local theaters and the theatrical experience
The educational aspect can’t be overlooked either. Film students and aspiring filmmakers often study these award-winning movies to understand what makes great cinema tick. Seeing them in theaters provides context that home viewing simply cannot match.
“When you watch ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ or ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ on a big screen with proper sound, you understand why they won awards,” explains film critic James Chen. “The technical achievement becomes obvious in ways that streaming never reveals.”
Parents have been particularly excited about the announcement. Many see it as a chance to introduce their teenagers to films they might never choose on their own. At $7.99 per ticket, a family can afford to take risks on movies outside their usual preferences.
The series also supports Focus Features’ upcoming release of a new “Sense and Sensibility” adaptation, scheduled for September 25. This cross-promotion strategy benefits everyone—audiences get quality programming, theaters get foot traffic, and studios build awareness for future releases.
Theater owners across the country have already started seeing increased advance bookings. The reduced pricing removes one of the biggest barriers to theater attendance, while the prestigious film selection attracts serious movie fans who might otherwise wait for home release.
“We’re seeing people buy tickets for multiple screenings already,” reports theater manager Linda Park. “Some customers are treating this like a film festival and planning to see several movies throughout the month.”
The initiative represents a broader trend of theaters trying creative programming to win back audiences. By partnering with studios to offer premium content at accessible prices, chains like Regal are proving that the theatrical experience still has unique value.
FAQs
How much do tickets cost for the Best Picture movie screenings?
Tickets are available for $7.99, which is significantly reduced from regular admission prices.
When do the screenings start and how long do they run?
The “And the Award Goes to…” series begins in early March and runs throughout the month, building up to the Oscar ceremony on March 15.
Are all current Best Picture nominees included?
Yes, all 10 films nominated for Best Picture at the 2026 Oscars will be part of the 31-movie lineup.
Where can I buy tickets for these special screenings?
Tickets are available at Regal theater box offices, through their mobile app, and on their website.
Will these movies be shown at all Regal locations?
The screenings will be available at participating Regal theaters nationwide, though you should check with your local location for specific showtimes.
Is this a one-time event or will it happen again?
While this appears to be a special March event tied to the 2026 Oscars, Regal hasn’t announced whether they plan to make it an annual tradition.
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