The Directors Guild Of America (DGA) and Producers Guild of America (PGA) have become the latest US awards bodies to grant temporary eligibility to contenders that launch first on VoD platforms during the coronavirus pandemic.

The rule changes were announced separately by both Guilds on Tuesday (May 19).

In the case of the DGA, films competing in the theatrical feature film, first-time feature film, and documentary categories will be eligible if they launch first on national VoD platforms for at least seven consecutive days.

However it must be established the films had been scheduled or planned to open theatrically in a commercial theatre chain in Los Angeles or New York after March 13 when theatres closed.

The rule change was passed by a unanimous vote of the DGA national board at its April meeting, and circumvents the traditional requirement of a seven-day theatrical run in Los Angeles or New York prior to any other form of presentation.

The PGA has changed eligibility rules for the Darryl F. Zanuck award to accommodate films that release first on a commercial streaming or VoD platform.

All other PGA eligibility requirements remain in effect until further notice. The Guild said it reserved the right to amend rules at any time, including when theatres reopen.

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