The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced new voting rules requiring Oscar voters to watch all nominated films in a category to be eligible to cast their final votes. Previously, members were only encouraged to view the contenders and vote where they felt qualified.
The change comes amid concerns that what voters choose to watch greatly influences the outcomes, with some admitting in anonymous ballots to skipping or not finishing certain nominees, reports AP.
Alongside the voting reform, the academy unveiled new regulations addressing the use of AI in filmmaking and inclusion of refugee filmmakers.
In the Best International Feature Film category, a rule change will now allow directors with refugee or asylum status to be represented by a country where they currently reside, even if it's not their home nation.
While the process still requires submissions through national selection committees, the updated eligibility criteria aim to create more opportunities for displaced artists.
This shift follows high-profile cases like Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof, who fled Iran and had his film submitted by Germany. However, the new rule does not assist filmmakers unable to leave their home countries or whose work is overlooked by national selectors.
Regarding AI, the academy clarified that using generative AI tools won’t advantage or disadvantage a film's nomination chances. Instead, each branch will evaluate a film’s creative integrity, particularly the role of human input in the filmmaking process. This issue gained attention after AI was reportedly used to modify Hungarian dialogue in The Brutalist, a film featured in this year’s Oscars.
Additionally, the academy outlined procedures for its new casting category, which will include a shortlist and presentations with Q&A sessions. Another new category, honoring stunt design, is set to debut at the 2028 Oscars.
The next Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, with Conan O’Brien set to return as host.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
