Michael Moore can now breathe a sigh of relief ...The Cuban screening of 'Fahrenheit 9/11' will not disqualify his movie from being considered for best Oscar Documentary.
According to the Associated Press, Oscar rules prohibit television or internet broadcast of documentary contenders anywhere in the world within nine months of their theatrical release. But this screening will not affect the Cuban broadcasts because they were not sanctioned by the distributors. Lions Gate Films, one of the distributors of 'Fahrenheit 9/11', said that the broadcasts in cuba originated from pirated copies of the movie.
John Pavlik, a spokesperson for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, confirmed on Wednesday that Moore's film will not be disqualified.
'Fahrenheit 9/1' made waves upon its release, not just for being highly critical of President Bush's handling of the September 11 attacks, but also for being the first documentary ever to gross over $100 million. The film has grossed $109.4 million domestically.
Moore took home the Best Documentary Oscar in 2002 for his film, 'Bowling for Columbine'