Oscars Voting Change Requires Proof Of Watch

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has laid down the rules for the 98th Oscars which will take place on Sunday, March 15th 2026.

The organization’s board of governors announced key dates pertaining to the coming season, such as nominations being announced on Thursday January 22nd 2026, along with releasing the rules and campaign promotional regulations.

The big rule that has everyone talking is that the Academy is now making it harder for members to vote in categories in which they have not watched all of the nominees – an issue that has become more of a concern for the Academy in recent years.

Previously voters were always asked not to vote if they hadn’t watched all of the nominees, the results relying on an honor system.

Moving forward, the Academy’s e-voting system in the final round will not allow members to access the ballot for categories in which they have not demonstrated that they have watched all of the nominees.

Viewing will have to be done either via the members-only Academy Screening Room streaming app, or at screenings elsewhere with members having to fill out a form declaring when and where they watched a film.

Another rule the trades are already dubbing ‘the Diane Warren rule’ in which the names of individuals who are nominated will now be listed alongside their nominated project on the final voting ballot. This was already the case with actors, but not with some other departments such as music where only the project was listed – not the individuals.

The Academy is also ensuring that the work of filmmakers with refugee or asylum status are able to be submitted for the best international feature Oscar by the country to which they have fled.

Cinematographers and casting directors will be getting a preliminary round of voting to determine a shortlist of around ten films for their respective departments.

Source: THR

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