The Oscars mandate voters watch all nominated movies, set new rules for AI and refugee filmmakers

Life | Oscars voting revamp: Academy mandates new rules to ensure fair play

Oscar voters will be required to demonstrate that they have watched all the films in each category before they cast their ballots, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced.

Los Angeles., The Academy of Oscars announced yesterday a change in its rules that forces its members to watch all the nominated films in the category in which they want to vote.

So far Oscar jurors have also been allowed to award films that they haven't seen. They really have to watch them new.

The institution has published the new rules for the awards in its 98th edition, whose gala will take place on March 15, 2026

The Oscars’ new AI rule provides a tentative green light for generative tech in movies

The Academy's new rule changes will see voters watch every eligible movie and the new casting category will have 10 nominees – but we're still uncertain how AI will be treated at the Oscars.

Finally, there was criticism of the rules for awarding the most coveted trophy in Hollywood. Now, these are to be reformed. In the future, it will be checked whether the jurors have actually seen the films.