The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, are prestigious awards for artistic and technical merit in film, presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). Widely considered the most esteemed accolades in the film industry, they recognize excellence in cinematic achievements as assessed by the Academy's voting membership. While not a film festival itself, the Oscars are closely tied to a circuit of "Oscar-qualifying festivals" where winning or placing in specific categories can make a film eligible for Academy Award consideration. These qualifying festivals are pivotal platforms for filmmakers, boosting visibility, fostering industry connections, and advancing their chances for Oscar contention.