The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled significant changes for the 98th Academy Awards, set to be held on March 15, 2026. Key updates include stricter viewing requirements for voters, a new Achievement in Casting award, revised rules for generative artificial intelligence, and expanded eligibility criteria.
A major procedural change mandates that Academy members must watch every nominated film within a category to be eligible to vote in the final round. Verification of viewing will be enforced via the Academy’s internal streaming platform or through submitted forms for external screenings, such as film festivals or private events. This measure aims to ensure informed voting and reduce casual voting patterns.
For the first time, the Academy will recognize casting directors with an Achievement in Casting award. The Casting Directors Branch will shortlist up to 10 films demonstrating exceptional collaboration in assembling casts. A specialized event featuring short reels and Q&A sessions with casting directors will help narrow these to five final nominees.
In another update, nominees’ names will now appear alongside film titles on final ballots, enhancing visibility for individual contributors.
Additionally, the Best Cinematography category will adopt a shortlist approach, similar to existing practices for other technical categories, identifying 10 to 20 films for initial consideration.
The Academy has also clarified rules regarding generative AI, stating that the use of such technologies neither positively nor negatively impacts eligibility. Instead, the focus remains on human creative input.
Other notable changes:
- Animated Short Film nominations voting will be open to all Academy members opting to watch shortlisted films.
- International Feature Film eligibility is now extended to filmmakers with refugee or asylum status.
- Submission deadlines for music categories are now earlier.
- Oscar-qualifying festivals can utilize approved mailing services to promote festival content to Academy members.
Important upcoming dates include nominations voting (January 12-16), nominee announcements (January 22), and final voting (February 26 – March 5).
Promising films anticipated for consideration include projects by Guillermo del Toro (“Frankenstein”), Chloé Zhao (“Hamnet”), Yorgos Lanthimos (“Bugonia”), and films individually helmed by the Safdie brothers, Benny (“The Smashing Machine”) and Josh (“Marty Supreme”).
All dates and rules are subject to potential adjustments leading up to the ceremony.