The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced new voting rules and eligibility guidelines for the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled to air live on ABC on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Changes in voting criteria, guidelines for the use of generative artificial intelligence and introduction of the new category are some of the major updates introduced in these new rules.
Voters Must Watch All Nominated Films
Yes, you read that right. Voters didn’t need to watch every nominated film in the category before casting their vote until…well, today. Some people believe this rule was established after the controversial film Emilia Perez won multiple awards at the Oscars this year. Many thought other films nominated in the categories were more deserving. However, questions remain about how the Academy plans to verify compliance and enforce this rule.
Academy members will only be able to access final round ballots for categories in which they’ve confirmed they’ve watched all nominated films. The Academy will monitor the viewing activity of the voters through its members-only Academy Screening Room streaming platform. For films viewed at festivals, screenings or private events, members will be made to submit a form indicating when and where they watched the film. This verification process, previously used only for preliminary and nomination voting for categories like international feature, animated feature, and the short film races, is now being applied to all categories.
Also Read: Deepika Padukone Criticises Oscar Snubs; Highlights India’s Lost Wins
Guidelines For Using Artificial Intelligence In Cinema
The Academy has said that the use of AI neither harms nor promotes the nomination chances for a film. This year, Brady Corbet’s Brutalist became the subject of controversy after his editor claimed that artificial intelligence was used to improve the Hungarian dialogue of stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. The Academy further clarifies that they will evaluate the achievements of the films nominated by taking into account the degree to which a person was at the centre of creative authorship when choosing which film to award.
Films Made By People With Refugee Status
In the category of Best International Film, the Academy will now allow filmmakers with refugee status to apply for nomination from the country in which they actually reside. But the rules for participation also say that most of the team working on the film must be located and work in the country from which the film is submitted. However, the publication notes that the change in rules will not affect the prospects of receiving an Oscar for filmmakers who remained in their countries.
New Category For Achievement In Casting
This award will be introduced to honour the creative choices and effort made behind the castings in film. The Casting Directors Branch will select up to 10 films for consideration. These films will then be featured in a special event called a “Bake-Off”, where five-minute clips will be shown and casting teams will answer questions. Only members who have watched all 10 entries can vote to choose the final five nominees. All Academy members can vote in the final round.
So, what are you most excited for about the upcoming Oscar season?