Oscar Voting Rules: Mandatory Viewing of All Nominees for Category Selection

The 98th Oscars: Key Updates and New Policies for 2026

As we move further from the 97th Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is gearing up for the 98th Oscars, scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026. Recently, the Academy’s board of governors revealed important dates for the upcoming awards season, including announcements for shortlists, nominations, and other pivotal moments. Along with these dates, new rules and campaign regulations have been implemented that might not seem significant at first glance but could profoundly influence the competition landscape.

Introducing “The Diane Warren Rule”

In a notable shift from tradition, the Academy has adopted what is being referred to as the “Diane Warren rule,” named after the acclaimed songwriter who has received 16 nominations for Best Original Song yet has never taken home the Oscar. Previously, nominees in the final ballot were listed without their names attached to the projects they represented—apart from actors. This anonymity may have contributed to Warren’s missed opportunities in the past. Going forward, nominees will have their names associated with their nominated works, enhancing recognition and potentially increasing voting support.

Enhanced Voting Compliance

In light of expanding membership and the influx of younger members, the Academy is tightening voting regulations. Members will now be required to view every nominee in a category before casting their votes—similar to practices already adopted by BAFTA. The Academy’s e-voting platform will restrict access to categories unless members can prove they have reviewed all nominated works. This change aims to discourage coattail voting and encourage informed decision-making during the final voting round.

New Submissions for Refugee Filmmakers

In a world grappling with humanitarian crises, the Academy has updated its policies to allow filmmakers with refugee or asylum status to submit their works for Best International Feature. Previously, only those residing in a particular country could have their films submitted. The updated guideline mandates that creative control of the film must primarily rest with citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee or asylum status in the submitting country. This change aims to amplify the voices of filmmakers displaced from their homeland.

Oscar for Achievement in Casting

The forthcoming 2026 Oscars will also feature a new category: the Oscar for Achievement in Casting. The voting process will include a preliminary round to curate a shortlist of 10 films, which casting directors will then review through a “bake-off” presentation, inclusive of a Q&A session with the nominees. This addition underscores the vital role casting plays in filmmaking.

Shortlisting Best Cinematography

Furthermore, the Best Cinematography category will now incorporate a shortlist process. Members from the cinematographers branch will determine a preliminary list of candidates comprising 10 to 20 films, adding a new layer of recognition to outstanding visual storytelling.

Inclusive Nominee Selection

Previously, Academy members from various branches had the opportunity to opt-in for selecting nominees in categories like international feature and animated films. This practice will now extend to the animated short category, fostering broader participation in nominee selection.

Producers Guild Certification Requirement

To prevent confusion similar to past nomination announcements, the Academy now requires films to submit their Producers Guild of America (PGA) certification earlier in the process. For Best Picture consideration, films released between January 1 and June 30, 2025, must provide proof of PGA submission by September 10, 2025, with a subsequent deadline of November 13, 2025, for films released from July 1 to December 31, 2025.

Festival Promotion Guidelines

Film festivals will be allowed to send a maximum of five eblasts throughout their duration, although they are prohibited from promoting specific films or events related to Academy receptions or panels directly to Academy members, ensuring that promotional efforts remain fair and equitable.

Artificial Intelligence in Film

As the conversation around artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking continues to evolve, particularly following its notable use in projects like The Brutalist, the Academy has incorporated new language in its eligibility guidelines. This update clarifies that the involvement of generative AI will neither assist nor hinder a film’s nomination prospects, emphasizing the importance of human creativity in the filmmaking process.

Upcoming Academy Events

The Academy is also reconsidering its traditional Oscar Nominees Luncheons, opting instead for a “Nominees Event” scheduled for February 10, 2026. This decision follows the cancellation of the luncheon due to Los Angeles wildfires, and it reflects ongoing adjustments in response to contemporary circumstances.

Important Dates for the 2025-2026 Oscar Season

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