The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced significant changes for the 98th edition of the Oscars, set to take place on March 15, 2026. Among the most notable modifications is the introduction of a new rule requiring Academy members to have viewed all nominated films in a category to cast their votes in the final phase. This change aims to promote informed voting and will apply to all competitive categories.
Previously, this requirement was only enforced for specific categories such as Best International Feature and Short Films. Now, the Academy is extending this practice across the board, ensuring that voters are well-informed about the films they are voting on. The verification of viewings will be managed through the Academy Screening Room platform, which is designated for members. For films viewed outside this platform, members will be required to fill out a form indicating the date and location of the screening.
Another significant update is the establishment of a new award for Best Casting, which will officially recognize the contributions of casting directors in assembling the cast for films. Members of the Casting branch will select a shortlist of up to ten films, which will then be presented at a "Bake-Off" event featuring clips and discussions with the professionals involved. From this shortlist, five official candidates will be chosen.
Looking ahead, the Academy has also announced that starting in 2028, there will be an award for Best Stunt Design. This is part of a broader effort to acknowledge the diverse roles that contribute to filmmaking.
In a first for the Oscars, the names of nominees will now appear on the final ballots alongside the titles of the films. This change is designed to enhance the recognition of individual contributions in the film industry, addressing concerns that certain talented individuals, like Diane Warren—who has received 16 Oscar nominations for Best Original Song but has never won—were overlooked due to the anonymity of the voting process.
In addition, the Academy has released its first official guidelines regarding the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. The guidelines state that the use of digital tools or generative AI will not affect a film's eligibility positively or negatively. Voters will need to assess the level of human creativity involved in the project.
Other changes include the incorporation of Best Cinematography into the shortlist process, similar to categories like Sound and Visual Effects. All Academy members will be able to vote for Animated Short Films, provided they have viewed the 15 pre-selected titles. Furthermore, the eligibility for International Feature Films has been expanded to include directors with refugee or asylum-seeker status.
New deadlines have also been set for the music categories, with October 15, 2025, designated for Best Original Song and November 3, 2025, for Best Score. The updated timeline for the awards season includes:
- Voting for nominations: January 12-16, 2026
- Announcement of nominees: January 22, 2026
- Nominees' luncheon: February 10, 2026
- Final voting: February 26 to March 5, 2026
- Oscars ceremony: March 15, 2026
All details, deadlines, and updated regulations can be found on the official Oscars website. The Academy's new rules reflect a commitment to ensuring that voters are fully engaged and informed about the films they are supporting, enhancing the integrity of the awards process.
As the Academy continues to evolve, it is also considering whether to return to its tradition of hosting luncheons for Oscar nominees or if it will opt for a more intimate dinner setting, similar to the one held recently at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. For now, February 10, 2026, is marked for a "Candidates Event" that will celebrate the nominees.
In a time when the film industry faces numerous challenges, including the impact of global crises, the Academy's decision to allow works by directors with political refugee status to be nominated for the Best International Feature Film is a significant step toward inclusivity. Previously, directors were required to be residents of a country to submit their work, but now the presenting country must confirm that creative control was primarily in the hands of citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee or asylum status.
Overall, the changes announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences aim to enhance the voting process, acknowledge diverse contributions, and ensure that the Oscars continue to reflect the best of cinema in an ever-changing landscape.
