The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a series of important rule changes that will take effect at the next Oscars ceremony, scheduled for March 15, 2026. The updates cover voting procedures, the use of artificial intelligence, participation of filmmakers with refugee status, and a new category for Best Achievement in Casting.
One of the most notable changes is the tightening of voting regulations. From now on, all Academy members will be required to watch all nominated films in the categories they are voting in. Previously, this was only encouraged, not mandatory. It remains unclear how compliance with this requirement will be monitored.
Regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence and other digital tools, the Academy stated that it will not directly affect a film’s chances of being nominated. What matters most is the extent of human creative involvement.
In this context, the controversy surrounding the film The Brutalist is mentioned — AI was used to enhance the Hungarian dialogue of actors Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones.
A new rule will allow filmmakers with refugee or asylum status to compete in the Best International Feature Film category on behalf of the country where they have taken refuge. Previously, eligibility was limited to citizens and permanent residents.
Now, a film can be submitted if the country confirms that creative control was primarily in the hands of citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee/asylum status in the submitting country.
The Academy has also approved rules for its new category — Best Achievement in Casting. After the first round of voting, a shortlist of 10 films will be announced. Members of the casting branch will then take part in presentations of the shortlisted films, including Q&A sessions with the nominees.
These updates come as part of the Academy’s ongoing efforts to modernize its rules. As a reminder, it was previously announced that a new category for stunt coordination will be introduced at the 2028 ceremony.
