The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced significant changes to the voting process for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, set to take place on March 15, 2026. In a move aimed at enhancing the integrity of the awards, Oscar voters will now be required to watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to cast their final ballots. This new rule was announced on April 21, 2025, and marks a pivotal shift in the Academy's voting regulations.
Previously, voters were encouraged to view all nominees but were not mandated to do so. The only exceptions were for the Best Foreign-Language Film (now known as Best International Feature Film) and Best Documentary Feature categories, where voters had to confirm they had seen all films in theaters. Expanding this requirement across all categories is expected to lead to more informed voting, although it could also reduce the number of voters participating.
In addition to the new viewing requirement, the Academy has made a noteworthy change regarding the final ballot. For the first time, all designated nominees will have their names included on the ballot. This is a significant alteration from previous years when only the film titles were listed, particularly in categories outside of acting.
The Academy also announced the introduction of the Achievement in Casting Oscar, which will feature a preliminary voting round to determine a shortlist of ten films. Following this, casting directors will participate in “bake-off” presentations that include a Q&A with the nominees. This initiative aims to elevate the importance of casting in the filmmaking process.
Moreover, the rules governing eligibility for films have been updated to include provisions for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to a statement from the Academy's Science and Technology Council, these digital tools will neither benefit nor hinder a film's chances of receiving a nomination. The Academy emphasized that the degree to which human creativity is involved will remain a critical factor in the evaluation process.
For films vying for Best Picture consideration, new submission deadlines have been established. Films released from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025, must show proof of submission for Producers Guild of America (PGA) mark certification by September 10, 2025. For films released between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, the deadline is November 13, 2025.
In the Animated Short Film category, voting privileges will now extend to all Academy members who choose to participate. Members must view all 15 shortlisted films to be eligible to vote. Similarly, the Cinematography category will implement a preliminary round of voting to create a shortlist of between ten and twenty films.
Another significant update pertains to the International Feature Film category. The eligibility requirements have been broadened to include filmmakers with refugee or asylum status, ensuring that creative control remains largely in the hands of citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee or asylum status from the submitting country.
The Academy has also clarified its campaign regulations for the 98th Oscars. These regulations now specify how motion picture companies and individuals associated with eligible films can promote their work to Academy members. Notably, public communications—including social media posts—are prohibited from disparaging the techniques or subject matter of any motion picture. Any Academy member or individual found in violation of this rule will face penalties.
Key dates for the 2025 Oscars season have also been established. The first submission deadline for Animated Short Film, Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film, and Live Action Short Film categories is set for August 14, 2025. The first submission deadline for General Entry categories, including Animated Feature Film and Best Picture, is September 10, 2025. Other important dates include the Governors Awards on November 16, 2025, and the Oscars Nominations Announcement on January 22, 2026.
As the Academy prepares for the 98th Oscars, these changes reflect a commitment to enhancing the voting process and ensuring that the awards maintain their prestige. The new rules aim to promote a more engaged voting body and recognize the diverse contributions of filmmakers, while also addressing contemporary issues such as the use of AI in filmmaking.
For a complete list of the new rules and campaign regulations, interested parties can visit oscars.org/rules.
