Productions or Events With Distinguished Reputation

Evidence that the beneficiary has performed, and will perform, services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts, or endorsements.

This criterion differs from the third criterion, which is specific to organizations and establishments.

This criterion requires evidence of:

• The beneficiary’s past lead or starring participation in distinguished productions or events; and
• The beneficiary’s prospective lead or starring participation in distinguished productions or events.

Evidence may demonstrate a lead role by establishing that the person has a principal role in the event or production. A starring role means a position of great prominence relative to others in the event or production. In evaluating the distinguished reputation of a past production or event, officers may consider factors such as favorable critical reception, high attendance levels, commercial success, or another indicator that the petitioner establishes would tend to distinguish the reputation of an event or production in the relevant field.

With regard to demonstrating the distinguished reputation of a prospective event, a petitioner may submit documentation such as advance publicity, endorsements, or other evidence regarding the level of anticipation of the relevant event or production. However, as the available evidence relating to the reputation of a prospective production or event will often be limited, officers may also consider factors such as the reputation of similar past events or productions by the same individuals or entities. In evaluating whether the beneficiary’s participation in a past or future event or production qualifies as lead or starring, officers may consider, for example, whether the beneficiary’s role is highlighted or featured in advertisements, publicity releases, critical reviews, or other materials. The contractual terms offered to the beneficiary may also be relevant to establishing the lead or starring nature of the beneficiary’s participation, especially with regard to a prospective event or production.

This criterion does not require that the beneficiary will have a lead or starring role in the specific U.S. events or productions for which O-1 classification is sought, or that such events or productions have a distinguished reputation. It is sufficient for the petitioner to otherwise demonstrate that the beneficiary has performed and will perform a qualifying role in a qualifying production within or outside of the United States.

To meet this criterion, the petitioner must submit evidence in the form of critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts, or endorsements. Advertisements, publicity releases, and endorsements are promotional materials. Endorsements are public facing and serve a marketing purpose. This exhaustive list does not include unpublished testimonial or recommendation letters.