^{Credit: Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender (Paramount+)}

As far as this year's Best Animated Feature race goes, Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender has been one of the biggest question marks. Last year, it was announced that Lauren Montgomery's film would be shifting from its planned theatrical release to a streaming exclusive on Paramount+. This seemingly dashed its Oscar odds, although streaming films can compete for Academy Awards consideration if given a qualifying theatrical release. Paramount appeared unlikely to do so, especially after Avatar Aang was leaked online in April. Benders can rejoice, though, as Avatar Aang is seemingly getting an Oscar-qualifying run. 

According to Variety, Avatar Aang will be playing three times a day at L.A.'s AMC Burbank 8 and Manhattan's AMC Empire 25 from July 24 to 30. The film should thus meet the bare minimum requirements for an Oscar-eligible push. While Paramount hasn't officially stated that they're submitting Avatar Aang for Oscar consideration, Variety suspects that this limited theatrical engagement is a clear sign. Naturally, those who don't live in the L.A. or Manhattan area will have to watch Avatar Aang when it goes to Paramount+ on July 25. The film will also be playing at San Diego Comic-Con on July 24. 

While it might not be the full theatrical rollout that many have said the film deserves, at least Avatar Aang now has a potential path to the Oscars. That said, the Best Animated Feature race is already pretty stacked this year. With only a small theatrical engagement, Avatar Aang may not get the exposure it needs. Then again, if it can perform half as well as KPop Demon Hunters did on streaming, perhaps the film can still attract enough eyes to enter the Oscar conversation. The behind-the-scenes shakeups also give the film a rooting factor. 

 Although Avatar Aang should be eligible for Oscar consideration, that doesn't mean it can't compete for an Emmy as well. Its simultaneous streaming release puts the film in a unique position, much like Ultraman: Rising, Spellbound, and That Christmas. All three of those Netflix movies were submitted for Oscar consideration, but didn't make the cut. Several months later, though, all three picked up nominations at the Children's & Family Emmys. Avatar Aang could follow a similar trajectory if an Oscar campaign doesn't work out. If Avatar Aang can reach the heights of the animated series that started it all, though, perhaps it'll bend Oscar voters in its favor. 

Tickets for Avatar Aang's theatrical release go on sale starting July 16 at 9 am ET/6 am PT. 

Nick Spake is the Author of Bright & Shiny: A History of Animation at Award Shows Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Available Now!