The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled a sweeping set of rule changes for Oscars 2027, scheduled for March 14, 2027, introducing structural shifts that could significantly reshape how films and performances are recognized going forward.
Among the most impactful updates is a major overhaul of the Best International Feature category, a move that signals the Academy’s growing push toward global inclusivity. Under the revised rules, films will no longer be required to secure official submission from their respective countries to qualify. Instead, non-English language films can now enter the race by winning top honors at select international film festivals, including Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Sundance, Toronto and Busan.
This change directly addresses long-standing criticism around the category’s dependence on national selection committees, which have historically limited the participation of certain films. High-profile cases in recent years, where critically acclaimed titles were not submitted by their home countries, had exposed gaps in the system. The new framework creates an alternative pathway, particularly for filmmakers working under restrictive political environments or outside traditional industry structures.
In another significant shift, the Academy has revised its rules for acting categories, now allowing performers to receive multiple nominations within the same category in a single year. This marks a departure from decades of precedent, where only one performance per actor could be recognized in each category. The change aligns acting races with other Oscar categories and is expected to influence campaign strategies, reducing the need for studios to reposition performances across lead and supporting categories to avoid vote splitting.
At the same time, the Academy has taken a clearer stance on the role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. Updated guidelines specify that performances must be physically executed by human actors with their consent, while screenplays must be authored by humans to qualify for awards consideration. The organization has also reserved the right to request additional information regarding the use of generative AI in submitted works, reflecting the industry’s ongoing efforts to define the boundaries of emerging technologies.
The International Feature category has also seen a shift in how recognition is credited. Rather than attributing nominations to countries, the film itself will now be recognized as the nominee, with the award accepted by the director on behalf of the creative team. This adjustment further emphasizes a creator-first approach, moving away from nation-based representation toward individual artistic recognition.
Several technical and administrative changes have also been introduced across categories. The Best Casting award will now allow up to three statuettes instead of two, while the Best Cinematography shortlist will be fixed at 20 films. Voting processes have been tightened in categories such as Makeup and Hairstyling and Visual Effects, with stricter participation requirements for members. Additionally, the Best Original Song category now clarifies eligibility for songs appearing over end credits, requiring submissions to include footage leading into the credits.
On the campaign front, the Academy has updated promotional guidelines to allow up to two moderators at pre-nomination Q&A events and has introduced new accessibility requirements for official communications, including the inclusion of contact details for accommodation requests. These updates reflect a broader effort to make the awards process more inclusive and standardized.
The cumulative effect of these changes points to a broader evolution in how the Oscars operate. The Academy is not only responding to industry debates around fairness, representation and technology but is also adapting to a more interconnected global film landscape. By expanding eligibility pathways, redefining nomination structures and addressing emerging challenges like AI, the organization appears to be recalibrating its framework for a new era.
With submission deadlines beginning in August 2026 and extending through the end of the year, the impact of these rules will become clearer as awards season approaches. For now, the 99th Oscars are shaping up to be one of the most structurally transformative editions in recent history, reflecting an industry in transition and an awards body attempting to keep pace with it.
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