The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently implemented new regulations that mandate Oscar voters to view every nominated film in each category in order to participate in the final voting process. Traditionally, voters were merely encouraged to watch nominated films and cast votes on categories they felt knowledgeable about.
However, the discussion around which films receive attention from the academy members has become pivotal in determining the winners. It has also surfaced that some members openly admitted to skipping or not completing certain lengthy nominees, as showcased in anonymously published Oscar ballots.
Additionally, the academy has introduced new rules concerning artificial intelligence (AI), filmmakers with refugee backgrounds, and the freshly introduced casting category. In the best international film category, the academy will now allow creative individuals with refugee or asylum status to be represented by a country of their choosing, though not necessarily their own. This refinement maintains the traditional process for international nominees but adjusts eligibility requirements.
Historically, critics have advocated for changes to the nominating system for the best international film, which, until now, has been governed by the submitting countriesโ governments, rather than the academy. This has posed challenges for filmmakers from authoritarian regimes to access Oscar nominations. A recent case highlighted was Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof, who had fled Iran due to political persecution and had his film, โThe Seed of the Sacred Fig,โ submitted by Germany. Despite his nomination, other filmmakers like Jafar Panahi have found the submission process unattainable.
The new regulation does not affect filmmakers who reside in their home countries or for those whose works were not chosen by national selection bodies. The academy has stated that using generative AI tools will neither benefit nor disadvantage a filmโs chance of obtaining a nomination. Usage of AI in films has sparked debate across various industries, including Hollywood.
Specifically, this yearโs Oscars saw these discussions play out with Brady Corbetโs โThe Brutalist,โ where AI was reportedly used to refine the Hungarian dialogue of Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. The academy emphasized that both its general body and specific branches will evaluate the artistic efforts by considering the extent to which human creativity influenced the project.
Moreover, guidelines for the newly-minted casting achievement category have been established. There will be an initial voting stage to create a shortlist of 10 films. This will be followed by a โbake-offโ presentation with participating members of the casting branch, accompanied by a question and answer session with the nominees.
In addition to these changes, earlier this April, the academy introduced a new stunt design category, although this award will not be initiated until the 2028 Oscars. Looking ahead, the 2026 Academy Awards are slated for March 15, with Conan OโBrien taking the stage to host the ABC broadcast once more.