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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has introduced new regulations for the upcoming Oscars, notably mandating that voters provide proof of having viewed all nominees in their selected categories. This change aims to enhance the integrity of the voting process and follows similar guidelines set by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the thoroughness of voting among Academy members, particularly as the organization’s membership has expanded significantly to include a greater number of younger individuals, who may have more demanding professional lives. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the previous honor system for voting has been replaced with a requirement for members to submit “anecdotal evidence” that they have seen the nominees before casting their votes through the Academy’s online ballot system.
Members will have their viewing experiences tracked through AMPAS by monitoring their usage of the Academy’s screening app. If they view a film at an official awards screening or festival, they must complete a form to confirm the viewing details.
Changes to Best Original Song Category
In addition to the viewing requirements, the Academy has made notable adjustments to the nomination process for the Best Original Song category. From this point onward, Oscar ballots will include the names of the composers next to the song titles, a significant departure from past practices. This change could help raise awareness and support for established composers like Diane Warren, who has faced challenges in the past securing votes despite her prolific work.
Currently, only the names of the actors associated with nominated films are listed on the ballots. The Academy’s new policy hopes to ensure that composers receive important recognition during the voting process.
Other updates include provisions for filmmakers with refugee or asylum status, allowing them to submit films for Best International Feature from the country they fled, rather than requiring them to reside there. This measure is intended to broaden the scope for diverse voices in international cinema.
The Academy is also responding to the ongoing discussions about the influence of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, a topic that gained traction last awards season with films like The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez incorporating AI elements. The Academy’s Science and Technology Council clarified that the use of generative AI tools in film production will not inherently affect eligibility for nominations, stating that decisions will focus on the extent of human creative involvement.
Additionally, there have been new rules introduced for the Best Cinematography category, along with a newly established category for casting. The specifics regarding the presentation of nominated producers for Best Picture have also been refined.
A timetable for the 98th Oscars has been set, with the nominations scheduled to be revealed on January 22, 2026, followed by the award ceremony on March 15, 2026.
Source
www.forbes.com