The Academy Awards are set to implement significant changes for the 2026 ceremony, including a groundbreaking revision to their voting procedures that could profoundly affect future winners. These updates follow a series of recent announcements detailing new awards categories aimed at enhancing the Oscars’ inclusivity and recognition of artistic talent. Notably, the Academy revealed the introduction of a Stunt Design category scheduled for 2028 and a Best Achievement in Casting category starting this year.
These additional categories represent a meaningful shift for the Oscars, reflecting the calls from industry professionals who have long advocated for broader recognition of various cinematic crafts. However, the latest modifications to the voting requirements have left some observers questioning why such measures weren’t put in place sooner. While the 2025 Oscar winners were celebrated for their talent and contributions, the new voting protocol promises a more equitable process moving forward, necessitating its implementation.
New Voting Requirements for the 2026 Oscars
Strict Viewing Requirements for Voters
The Academy has announced that for the upcoming 2026 Oscars, all voters will be mandated to have viewed every nominated film within each category in order to participate in the voting process. This requirement stipulates that members may only vote in categories for which they have seen all nominees. For instance, a voter who has not watched all the contenders for Best Animated Feature will be disqualified from casting a vote in that category. However, they could still partake in the Best Picture voting if they have watched every nominee for that category.
To validate compliance with this new rule, Academy voters will be required to provide proof of their screenings. Those who fail to do so will find themselves unable to access the digital ballot for any incomplete category. An Academy spokesperson informed Entertainment Weekly that members’ film screenings will be tracked through the Academy Screening Room service. Voters can also fill out a “seen elsewhere”form to affirm their eligibility in certain categories.
Historical Context of Screening Requirements
Previous Honor-Based System for Voting
The rationale behind the new voting protocol raises valid questions, particularly regarding why such a system was not already in effect. Historically, the Academy relied on an honor system, acknowledging that its members, due to their demanding schedules, might not have the time to watch every nominated film. Therefore, existing voting guidelines requested members to view as many films as possible and to cast votes only for those they had seen.
As per the Oscars’ 2024 guidelines, Academy members were encouraged to limit their votes to films they had actually viewed. This framework operated under the assumption that industry professionals would strive to be informed voters, even if they could not view every film. However, this practice inadvertently resulted in the exclusion of deserving films, as the guidelines suggested that voters refrain from voting for movies they had not seen, rather than ruling out categories entirely if they were not fully informed.
Essentially, the new ruling reinforces the Academy’s original intention for members to be well-versed in the films before participating in the voting process. It encourages a more informed and equitable voting environment, although it is understood that voters can still omit categories in which they feel unqualified.
Anticipated Impact of the Voting Changes for 2026
Ensuring Comprehensive Viewing and Fairness
The introduction of this new voting rule is expected to yield a positive transformation in the Oscars’ future landscape. By mandating that voters watch all nominated films in a category, it levels the playing field. This change contrasts sharply with past practices, where it was revealed that some voters had opted not to watch certain lengthy or less mainstream nominations. During the 2025 Oscars, for instance, some voters admitted to skipping films like The Brutalist or Dune: Part Two due to their duration.
This oversight meant that potentially deserving films risked being unfairly overlooked in the voting process. The new requirement will ensure that high-quality films, regardless of their runtimes or genres, will receive fair consideration and equal opportunity to shine during the awards. This crucial update is set to enhance the Oscars’ integrity, providing a clearer pathway for outstanding films to claim recognition.
For further information, please refer to sources like Entertainment Weekly and Oscars Guidelines.