Oscars implement new rule requiring voters to watch all nominated films

22 April, 2025

The Academy Awards, or Oscars, have announced the implementation of a new rule for next year’s ceremony – find out more below.

Last night (April 21), the Academy announced the date for the 2026 Oscars, which are due to take place on March 15. Nominees will be announced on January 22, with shortlists being revealed a month prior on December 16.

Additionally, new regulations have been announced for next year, as well as the reveal of how AI in films will affect their eligibility. To start off, the Academy wrote on their website that unlike past editions, all voters will be required to watch every film in the categories they’re voting for: “Academy members must now watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round for the Oscars,”

It is currently unclear how this rule will be implemented to ensure all voters actually watch all nominated films in their respective categories.

On whether the use of AI impacts eligibility, the Academy wrote: “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. The Academy and each branch will judge the achievement, taking into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when choosing which movie to award.”

In another procedural update, the submission deadlines for Best Original Song and Best Original Score have been separated. The deadline for submitting Best Original Song considerations will be October 15, while deadline for Best Original Score is November 3.

The overhaul of the Oscars’ regulations come less than a month after it was announced that a new stunt design category will be introduced for the 2028 ceremony – find out more here.

The 97th Academy Awards took place earlier in March, with Anora walking away with the coveted Best Picture award. The film’s director Sean Baker also took home the award for Best Director and lead actress Mikey Maddison took home the trophy for Best Actress.

Meanwhile, Best Actor went to Adrien Brody for The Brutalist. The Brutalist also won Best Cinematography and Best Original Score – check out the complete list of winners here.

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