Sony plans to submit ‘Michael Jackson’s This Is It’ for Oscar’s best-picture consideration

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Sony plans to enter ‘This Is It’ in Oscar race

LOS ANGELES — Sony thinks its new Michael Jackson documentary could be a contender for best picture.

Spokesman Steve Elzer says the studio will submit “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” for Academy Awards consideration.

The film was made from rehearsal footage recorded as Jackson prepared for a series of comeback concerts in London before his death in June. The film opened worldwide Wednesday and has already earned $20.1 million at the box office, along with praise from critics and fans.

A spokeswoman for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says that once the film completes a seven-day run, it will be eligible for consideration in sound and editing categories as well as best picture.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sony thinks its new Michael Jackson documentary could be a contender for best picture.

Spokesman Steve Elzer says the studio will submit “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” for Academy Awards consideration.

The film was made from rehearsal footage recorded as Jackson prepared for a series of comeback concerts in London before his death in June. The film opened worldwide Wednesday and has already earned $20.1 million at the box office, along with praise from critics and fans.

A spokeswoman for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says that once the film completes a seven-day run, it will be eligible for consideration in sound and editing categories as well as best picture.