The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled significant updates to the rules and regulations for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026. The changes, announced on April 21, 2025, include new voting requirements, eligibility criteria, and submission deadlines that aim to enhance the integrity and transparency of the prestigious awards.
One of the most notable changes mandates that Academy voters must now watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round. This procedural shift is intended to ensure that voters make informed decisions, reducing the likelihood of "coattail voting"—a practice where voters support nominees based on popularity rather than merit. The Academy will monitor compliance through its members-only Academy Screening Room streaming platform, where members can access films. For films viewed outside this platform, members will need to submit a form detailing when and where they watched the film.
In another significant update, all designated nominees will now have their names included on the final ballot. Previously, only the titles of nominated films were listed, which sometimes obscured the contributions of key individuals, such as songwriters and sound designers. This change is seen as a way to give proper credit to those involved in the nominated works, potentially influencing voter support.
For the first time, the Academy will introduce an award for Achievement in Casting, recognizing the critical role casting directors play in assembling a film's ensemble. To determine nominees for this new award, the Casting Directors Branch will review eligible films and vote to shortlist up to ten titles, based on the level of creative input and collaboration demonstrated during the casting process. A "bake-off" event will follow, where branch members will view presentations and participate in a Q&A with the casting directors of shortlisted films.
In terms of eligibility, the Academy has updated its language regarding generative artificial intelligence (AI) in film production. The new guidelines state, "With regard to Generative Artificial Intelligence and other digital tools used in the making of the film, the tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination. The Academy and each branch will judge the achievement, taking into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when choosing which movie to award." This clarification comes in response to growing concerns about the role of AI in the creative process.
Additionally, the eligibility criteria for the International Feature Film category have been expanded to include filmmakers with refugee or asylum status. The submitting country must confirm that creative control of the film was largely in the hands of citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee or asylum status in the submitting country. This change aims to provide a platform for diverse voices and stories from around the world.
Key submission deadlines have also been established, with the first submission deadline for Animated Short Film, Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film, and Live Action Short Film categories set for August 14, 2025. Other important dates include:
- September 10, 2025: First submission deadline for General Entry categories, Animated Feature Film, Best Picture, and RAISE form.
- October 1, 2025: Submission deadline for International Feature Film.
- October 6, 2025: Student Academy Awards.
- October 15, 2025: Submission deadline for Music (Original Song).
- November 3, 2025: Submission deadline for Music (Original Score).
- November 13, 2025: Final submission deadline for General Entry categories, Animated Feature Film, Best Picture, and RAISE form.
The voting timeline for the nominations will run from January 12 to January 16, 2026, with the official nominees announced on January 22, 2026. The Oscars Nominees Event will take place on February 10, 2026. Final voting will commence on February 26, 2026, and conclude on March 5, 2026, just ten days before the live ceremony.
The Academy has also clarified its campaign promotional regulations, which dictate how motion picture companies and individuals associated with Oscars-eligible films may promote their works to Academy members. Among the changes, Oscar-qualifying film festivals will now have access to approved mailing houses to share information about festival programming with Academy members. However, public communications may not disparage the techniques used in or subject matter of any motion picture, with penalties for violations.
As the Academy prepares for the 98th Oscars, it is also gearing up for the Scientific and Technical Awards, scheduled for April 28, 2026. The awards ceremony will air live on ABC, hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second consecutive year.
In summary, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is implementing several key changes for the 98th Oscars that aim to enhance transparency and ensure that voters are well-informed about the films they are evaluating. These updates reflect a commitment to recognizing the contributions of all individuals involved in filmmaking while adapting to the evolving landscape of the film industry.
