The next Academy Awards ceremony, scheduled for March 15, 2026, will be marked by a series of unprecedented changes to its regulationsThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided to overhaul the way winners are selected, seeking to reinforce the transparency, fairness, and prestige that have historically characterized these awards. These new rules specifically affect member voting, film eligibility, and the development of campaigns seeking to position the nominees.
For years, critical voices have pointed out The lack of guarantees as to whether voters actually saw all the nominated productions before casting their votesUntil now, a declaration of good faith was sufficient, which often led to results being influenced by reputation, pressure, or fashion. The Academy has decided to intervene definitively so that each decision is based solely on direct and real knowledge of the audiovisual work.
Must-see viewing: The biggest change in recent Oscar history
The main regulatory adjustment fully affects the voting criteria. As of issue number 98, Only those members who can prove that they have seen all the films nominated in that section will be able to vote for a category.This is a condition that was already applied, albeit with exceptions, in categories such as Best International Film or Documentary Short Films, but is now extended to the entire gala. The measure seeks to ensure that each work is judged on its own merits, and not based on external factors or simple word of mouth.
The Academy has not yet detailed all the mechanisms with which it will enforce this requirement, but could use its internal streaming platform, reserved for its members, to verify viewing. If a voter prefers to go to the cinema, festivals or private screenings, they will be required to complete a form indicating when and where you saw the movieThe goal, in any case, is to eliminate any hint of arbitrariness and promote a fair evaluation of the nominated works.
New challenges for voters: less room for improvisation
This change means that some members will lose the right to vote in categories where they cannot see all the finalist proposals. This increases the level of commitment and reduces improvisation., forcing each voter to actively participate in the process. Some experts predict that the number of votes cast in certain categories could decrease, but in return, the legitimacy and fairness of the results will increase.
A more diverse and rigorous voting in all categories
Furthermore, the standard is accompanied by other updates for the 2026 edition. The “Best Casting Direction” category is introduced, which seeks to recognize the creative work behind the casting process and will be initially evaluated through a preliminary selection of up to 10 films. This recognition represents a step forward for those figures who until now have remained in the background, but whose contribution is essential to the success of any production.
Moreover, the The Academy modifies the requirements for submitting international films.Filmmakers with proven refugee or asylum status will now be eligible, provided they have creative control and represent a specific country. The process also opens up new dynamics in technical and musical categories, with specific application deadlines and pre-selections in categories such as photography, sound, visual effects, makeup, documentary, and short films.
Regulation of the use of Artificial Intelligence in candidate works
Another issue that has gained prominence in the updating of the rules is the use of generative Artificial Intelligence and other digital tools During the making of films. Following recent controversies over the use of AI in films such as "The Brutalist" and "Emilia Pérez," the Academy has sought to clarify its position: The use of AI will not be a reason for exclusion nor will it constitute an advantage when applying for the prizes..
In this sense, voters should primarily value the degree of human creative authorship in each workThis is a way to ensure that art and human ingenuity remain at the forefront, avoiding debates about whether technological innovations can overshadow traditional artistic contributions. In this way, we seek to strike a balance between modernity and respect for the classic values of cinema.
Key dates and more demanding procedures
The mechanics of the next season will be delimited by a strict schedule and new restrictions for promotion. Films released between January and June 2025 must meet Producers Guild of America (PGA) requirements or submit the relevant documentation by September 10; those releasing in the second half of the year will have until November 13. Final nominations will be announced on January 22, 2026, while voting for the winners will close between February 26 and March 5. The grand event will take place on March 15, 2026.
Additionally, the Academy tightens controls on film campaigns, especially with regard to the social media promotionAll posts, comments, sharing, or messages that may directly or indirectly discredit other candidates are prohibited. Only authorized mailing companies may send informational materials to voting members, thus limiting the influence of aggressive campaigns and focusing attention on the quality of the productions.
Expanding transparency and oversight in the voting process
The revision of the rules affects both to transparency and process securityViewing monitoring and restricting external campaigns seek to restore the Oscars' reputation for objectivity and excellence. The idea is to ensure that no film is judged on grounds unrelated to its actual content and the voters' experience.
In practice, the Academy will face challenges in verifying compliance with the rule, especially in the case of those attending private screenings, festivals, or commercial theaters. Therefore, declaration systems have been implemented, and the honesty of the votes will be assessed, although access to films through the internal platform should facilitate the task and reduce the temptation to cheat.
Strengthening diversity and inclusion
This process of change also affects the promotion of international diversity and the participation of new talentsAllowing refugee or asylum-seeking filmmakers to be eligible, and expanding the scope of the Best International Feature Film category, is a step toward adapting the Oscars to the reality of an increasingly global industry. It's clear that the film landscape is opening up to voices and perspectives that might previously have been excluded for administrative reasons or reasons of origin.
At the same time, by limiting the influence of commercial campaigns and requiring an assessment based on real experience, the aim is to incentivize small or unconventional productions that have fewer resources for promotion but whose artistic quality deserves recognition.
Challenges and expectations for the next edition
The introduction of these rules It has not been exempt from debate among the voters themselves. and the industry. Some fear that requiring all films to be viewed will reduce the number of effective entrants in certain categories; others believe the process will filter out those who are truly interested in cinema and the deeper meaning of the awards. In any case, the Academy seems determined to chart a new course that serves as an example of honesty and professionalism in the film industry.
The combination of technological controls, new categories, strict eligibility criteria, and tighter advertising regulation aims to ensure that every Oscar winner is truly, the result of deep reflection and a real commitment to quality of the seventh art.
The upcoming Oscars ceremony is thus packed with expectations and the promise of recovering the essence of the awards, which, despite social and technological changes, remain the benchmark for global cinema. This set of rules, which promotes authenticity, transparency, and diversity, will lay the foundation for future editions to better respond to the times and the constant evolution of the audiovisual industry.
