MPAA

Arts & Entertainment abbreviation · Film, Television and Theater

MPAA
Stands forMotion Picture Association of America
CategoriesArts & Entertainment

MPAA stands for Motion Picture Association of America, a film, television and theater abbreviation.

Name used from 1945 to 2019 by the organization now called the Motion Picture Association. Film ratings were introduced under the MPAA in November 1968, and older posters and trailers credit the MPAA.

Example: The trailer's green band says it was approved by the MPAA for appropriate audiences.

Usage notes

Jack Valenti, president from 1966 to 2004, replaced the restrictive Production Code with the ratings system in 1968. Many people still say "MPAA rating", although the official name changed in 2019.

More film, television and theater abbreviations

  • HFPA – Hollywood Foreign Press Association
  • IMAX – Image Maximum
  • INT. – Interior
  • LD – Lighting designer
  • MCU – Marvel Cinematic Universe
  • MPA – Motion Picture Association
  • MS – Medium shot
  • NC-17 – No One 17 and Under Admitted
  • O.S. – Off-screen
  • OTS – Over-the-shoulder shot
  • OTT – Over-the-top
  • PA – Production assistant

See all 63 film, television and theater abbreviations →