Oscars 2026: Major Rule Changes Address AI, Casting, and Eligibility in a Landmark Year for the Academy

In a sweeping move that reflects the evolving landscape of global filmmaking, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a significant update to its rules and regulations for the 98th Academy Awards (Oscar 2026), set to air live on Sunday, March 15, 2026. These changes—spanning eligibility timelines, campaign guidelines, and new category procedures—underscore the Academy’s attempt to preserve artistic integrity while embracing modern challenges like artificial intelligence and international representation.

AI and Human Creativity: The Academy Sets Boundaries

One of the most notable updates is the Academy’s first formal guidance on the use of generative artificial intelligence. In response to last year’s controversies—particularly films like The Brutalist and A Complete Unknown—the Academy clarified that the use of digital tools or AI “neither help nor harm” a film’s chance at a nomination. Instead, eligibility will be based on the extent to which human creativity and authorship were central to the film’s creation. This move places the focus squarely back on artistic merit and human input, a crucial stance in a rapidly digitizing industry.

Mandatory Viewing for Voters: No More Coattail Decisions

In a decisive procedural shift, Academy members will now be required to view all nominated films in a given category to be eligible to vote in the final round. Inspired by BAFTA’s verification process, the Academy will track viewership through its own streaming platform and verify screenings held outside it via member-submitted forms. This effort aims to reduce uninformed or popularity-driven voting, often referred to as “coattail voting.”

A Win for Casting Directors: A Historic New Category

For the first time in Oscar history, the Academy will present an award for Achievement in Casting, acknowledging the vital role casting directors play in the filmmaking process. The process includes a shortlist determined by the Casting Directors Branch, followed by a Bake-Off presentation and Q&A. After the shortlist, only branch members who view all presentations will select the final nominees. All Academy members will then vote on the winner. This move is seen as a long-overdue recognition of a foundational cinematic craft.

Expanded Shortlists for Cinematography

The Academy is also introducing a shortlist process for the Best Cinematography category, with 10 to 20 titles being considered during the preliminary voting round. This aligns cinematography with other artisan categories like sound, makeup and hairstyling, and visual effects, which already use this system.

Best Picture and PGA Certification Deadlines

In response to confusion during last year’s nominations, where several Best Picture contenders lacked confirmed eligibility, the Academy has introduced clear submission deadlines linked to the Producers Guild of America (PGA) mark.

• Films released from January 1 to June 30, 2025, must show PGA proof by September 10, 2025.

• Films released between July 1 and December 31, 2025, must submit by November 13, 2025.

These adjustments are designed to streamline the process and avoid ambiguity during nomination announcements.

New Eligibility Rules for International Feature Films

In a progressive step, the Academy has updated its eligibility criteria for the Best International Feature Film category. Films must now confirm that creative control was largely held by citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee or asylum status in the submitting country. This inclusive move acknowledges the shifting global dynamics of creative talent, especially as more filmmakers flee oppressive regimes and continue their work in exile.