As the countdown to the 98th Academy Awards begins, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced sweeping new rules for the 2026 Oscars ceremony, scheduled for 15 March 2026. These changes aim to reinforce fairness, inclusivity, and transparency across Oscar voting and nominations—addressing everything from AI in filmmaking to the eligibility of refugee directors.
Voters Must Now Watch All Nominated Films
Perhaps the most sensible—and overdue—update is that Oscar voters will now be required to watch all films in the categories they are voting for. Previously, voters were merely encouraged to watch nominated titles and vote in categories where they felt “qualified.”
The Academy now mandates: “Academy members must now watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round for the Oscars.”
While the logistics of verifying this compliance are still unclear, the change is expected to increase fairness and informed voting across all categories.
AI Use Won’t Help or Hurt Oscar Chances
In response to ongoing debates about AI’s role in cinema, the Academy clarified that the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence or other digital tools does not impact a film’s eligibility—either positively or negatively.
The guideline states: “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.”
However, each branch of the Academy will continue to evaluate whether a human remains at the heart of the creative process when determining award recipients.
Notably, this issue gained traction during the 2025 awards season when Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist came under scrutiny. Its editor revealed AI was used to enhance Hungarian dialogue for stars Adrien Brody (Best Actor winner) and Felicity Jones (Supporting Actress nominee).
Refugee and Asylum-Seeking Filmmakers Gain Representation
A landmark change has been introduced for the Best International Feature Film category. Filmmakers with refugee or asylum status may now be represented by countries that are not their country of origin.
According to the revised regulation: “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 update addresses long-standing criticisms that national governments—often repressive or undemocratic—control the Oscar submission process, marginalizing dissident voices.
A recent example includes Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, who fled Iran in 2024 and was subsequently selected by Germany to represent the country with his acclaimed film The Seed of the Sacred Fig. The film went on to secure an Oscar nomination.
“Germany decided to choose the film as its own submission… that’s a great sign. Culture is always prioritized above politics. It shines a light in the darkness, inspiring filmmakers under repressive circumstances,” said Rasoulof in an interview with Euronews Culture.
This change, however, does not alter the prospects for filmmakers like Jafar Panahi—a fellow Iranian director—who remain in their home countries without a means for submission if their governments refuse to endorse their work.
New Casting Category and Bake-Off Format Introduced
With the introduction of the new Oscar for Achievement in Casting, the Academy has detailed the voting structure. After an initial shortlist of 10 films, members of the casting branch will be invited to a “bake-off” event—featuring presentations and Q&A sessions with the nominees.
This interactive element aims to recognize casting as a nuanced and essential element of filmmaking, highlighting the behind-the-scenes talent responsible for assembling iconic on-screen ensembles.
Coming Soon: A Stunt Design Category
These updates follow the Academy’s recent announcement that a new Oscar for stunt design will debut at the 2028 ceremony. The inclusion of this long-advocated category has been widely celebrated by industry professionals.
Final Thoughts
With the introduction of these forward-looking rules, the Academy signals its intent to adapt to evolving industry practices and social realities. From ensuring informed voting to recognizing displaced filmmakers and redefining creative authorship in the age of AI, the Oscars 2026 promises to be a ceremony marked by progress.
Stay tuned as we follow the journey to the 98th Academy Awards on 15 March 2026.
For deeper insight into how AI is transforming creative industries, check out our article: How AI Is Changing Filmmaking in 2025
