The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced an updated rule «Oscar» — judges must watch the films nominated for the award. And it seems that this was actually supposed to be the default.
The innovation will take effect starting with the 98th ceremony, which will take place on March 15, 2026. From then on, Academy members will not be able to vote in a category unless they have seen all the films nominated in it. The new rule has caused a wave of reactions — from surprise to ridicule — and leaves many open questions.
Previously, viewing the nominees was only recommended, but now it is mandatory. However, it is not yet known how the Academy plans to check whether a voter has actually watched all the films. Also, how will it bring violators to justice? It is not yet known about possible disqualifications or other methods of punishment.
The reason for the changes was obviously previous «Oscar», when anonymous confessions of voters were posted on the Internet — some honestly said that they ignored them «Dune 2» or «Brutalist». One social media user sarcastically asked: «Did they just vote by vibe?», while another joked: «I think they voted based on IMDb results, lol».
It has already been confirmed that there have been cases in the past when voters did not finish watching a movie or did not turn it on at all, especially if it was long. Against the backdrop of such statements, mandatory viewing looks logical — but incredibly late. One commenter asked a perfectly reasonable question: «They weren’t doing that before?». But now many people have answered the question — why did the same movie (which you decide) win an Oscar»?
THEY WERENT DOING THAT BEFORE????????????????????? https://t.co/PFxbzCervS
— Evensya (@EvensyaXo) April 21, 2025
Users question not only how the rule will be enforced, but also whether it is physically possible to fulfill it. For example, some people calculated that it would take a lot of time to watch all the films from 2023, — 75 days in a row without breaks. Perhaps it would be more logical to assign judges to different categories.
But despite the confusion that can still be resolved, the innovation brings the voting process for «Oscars» closer to BAFTA standards, where such an obligation already exists. Now all nominees in each category will be included in the final vote. And members will have to confirm that they have seen all these works.
In addition, the Academy updated other rules, including expanding the criteria for the international «Oscar». Now, films can be submitted not only by countries whose citizens have had creative control, but also by those where the directors have refugee or asylum status. A preliminary round for the new — category for excellence in casting has also been introduced. In the final round, the jury will be invited to an event with film screenings and Q&A sessions with the nominees.
Regarding digital tools and AI, the Academy has made it clear that their use will not affect the chances of being nominated. Each branch should evaluate the film based on how central the role of the human author was in it.
The schedule of the ceremony has already been determined: voting for nominations — January 12-16, 2026, announcement of nominees — January 22, meeting of nominees — February 10. The new rules also affect the submission deadlines in some categories. And finally, one more big update, but for the 100th ceremony in 2027: for the first time categories «Oscar» will be replenished with an award for stunts. But that’s another story
Source: World of Reel