Madonna's W.E. has joined a bevy of upcoming films that are opting for a one-week awards qualifying run before Dec. 31 but delaying their official release in theaters until after the new year in order to avoid the crowded year-end corridor.

 W.E. launches its qualifying run Dec. 9, when the film was previously scheduled to debut in theaters. But the fim's release date has been moved to Feb. 3, the Weinstein Co. confirmed Wednesday.

 The switch in plans also is designed to take advantage of Madonna's widely rumored performance at the Super Bowl on Feb. 5.

 Once a film plays in its qualifying run, usually in one or two theaters in Los Angeles, distributors can send out screeners to awards groups.

 The Hollywood Reporter