Academy Updates Oscars Rules Mandating Voter Film Screenings, Introduces AI Guidelines

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced significant rule changes for the 98th Oscars in 2026, mandating that all voters must watch every film nominated in each category to ensure more informed and equitable voting. This addresses previous concerns that some voters skipped lesser-known or longer films, potentially skewing results. The Academy also clarified its stance on artificial intelligence, stating that the use of generative AI tools in filmmaking will neither help nor harm a film's chances, with an emphasis remaining on human creativity and authorship. Additionally, a new category for Achievement in Casting has been codified, featuring a preliminary shortlist and a bake-off style presentation with Q&As for nominees. The eligibility rules for international filmmakers have been expanded, now allowing refugee or asylum-status filmmakers to represent their country of residence, broadening access for displaced artists. These changes aim to foster fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in the Oscars selection process.