Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Academy Revises Oscar Voting Protocols and International Film Regulations
LOS ANGELES – In a move to ensure more informed voting, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has mandated that Oscar voters must view all nominated films in each category to be eligible to cast their ballots in the final round of voting for the prestigious Academy Awards. This updated regulation, announced Monday, marks a shift from the previous system where members were simply encouraged to watch the nominated motion pictures and vote in their areas of expertise.
Stricter Viewing Requirements for Oscar Voters
The change in voting rules comes as the level of engagement with nominated films by academy members has become a point of increasing discussion within the industry. Anonymous Oscar ballots, published in various outlets, have occasionally revealed instances of voters admitting they had not watched all, or even some, of the nominated movies, raising concerns about the fairness and thoroughness of the voting process.
Updates to International Film Category & Refugee Filmmaker Eligibility
Further announcements from the Academy on Monday included revisions concerning artificial intelligence (AI), filmmakers with refugee status, and the recently introduced casting category award. A significant alteration was made to the best international film category, now allowing filmmakers holding refugee or asylum status to be nominated by a country other than their nation of origin. While maintaining the established framework for countries to submit international film nominees, this adjustment refines the eligibility criteria.
Revised Eligibility Criteria for International Film Submissions
The updated rule specifies: “The submitting country must affirm that creative control of the film was predominantly in the hands of citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee or asylum status within the submitting country.” This modification addresses long-standing critiques regarding the international film nomination process, which previously vested submission authority in national governments, potentially limiting opportunities for dissident filmmakers operating under restrictive regimes.
Impact on Filmmakers in Exile
For example, Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof, who recently sought refuge in Germany to release his film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” received a nomination after Germany submitted his work. However, numerous other filmmakers, such as Jafar Panahi, also from Iran, have produced films lacking a clear pathway for official submission under the existing structure. It is important to note that this rule change will not directly impact filmmakers who have not left their home countries, nor will it alter outcomes for films that are not selected by their respective national committees.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Academy’s Stance on Artificial Intelligence in Filmmaking
Regarding the use of generative AI tools, the Academy has declared that their utilization will “neither help nor harm the chances of a nomination.” The extent to which AI is being incorporated into filmmaking has become a contentious topic in Hollywood, mirroring debates across other sectors. Earlier this year, Brady Corbet’s film “The Brutalist” sparked controversy when its editor disclosed the use of AI to enhance the Hungarian dialogue of actors Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones.
Human Creativity Remains Central in Award Decisions
“The academy and each branch will evaluate the merit, considering the degree to which human creativity was central to the artistic authorship when determining which films to honor,” the academy clarified.
Details on New Casting Award and Stunt Design Category
The Academy also outlined procedures for its inaugural achievement in casting Oscar. Following a preliminary voting phase to establish a ten-film shortlist, members of the casting branch will participate in a “bake-off” presentation featuring shortlisted films, including a question and answer session with nominees. Furthermore, the previously announced new category for stunt design will be introduced at the 2028 Oscars.
Upcoming Academy Awards Ceremony
The next Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, with Conan O’Brien slated to host the ABC broadcast.