Date: April 22, 2025
Oscars 2026: Academy Introduces New Rules
🎬 Oscars 2026 Set for March 15 with Fresh Changes
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Beverly Hills, Hollywood. Along with the date confirmation, the Academy unveiled a series of updated rules and regulations that will shape how the next Oscars are judged and awarded.
🆕 Stricter Viewing Guidelines for Academy Voters
One of the biggest reforms introduced is a mandatory viewing rule for all Academy members. Every voter must now watch all eligible films in a category before casting their ballots. This move addresses a long-standing concern that some members skip lesser-known films and vote based on popularity or buzz.
To ensure transparency and fairness, the Academy will now track voter activity via a secure, members-only streaming platform. Additionally, voters must submit a form specifying where and when they watched a film—whether in theaters, at a festival, or during official screenings.
💡 AI Films Officially Welcomed in the Oscars Race
In a landmark decision, the Academy has also provided official guidance for films utilizing Generative AI. While AI involvement won’t inherently boost or hurt a film’s chances of getting nominated, the Academy emphasized that human creative authorship will remain a core factor when judging submissions.
This move follows controversy during the previous awards season, when films like The Brutalist and Emilia Perez sparked debates due to their use of AI-driven technology. The Academy’s updated stance now clears the path for AI-enhanced storytelling, as long as human artistic vision remains central.
🥋 New Category: Best Stunt Design
Adding more excitement to the 2026 ceremony, the Academy has introduced a brand-new category: Best Stunt Design. This long-anticipated addition honors the art and complexity of stunt choreography and execution in modern cinema.
📣 Final Thoughts: Oscars 2026 Promises More Accountability and Innovation
With these sweeping changes, the Oscars are evolving to stay relevant in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape. By mandating full film viewership and embracing emerging technologies like AI, the Academy is taking steps toward greater fairness, inclusivity, and artistic recognition.