No more guessing: Academy Awards make film viewing mandatory for voters ahead of the 98th Oscars

IOL News

30-04-2025

The Academy's Board of Governors has implemented significant changes for the 98th Oscar Awards.
Image: X
The Academy's Board of Governors has rolled out the red carpet for some major changes. One of the changes on the list has left many wondering why 'it was not a rule all these years'.
On Monday, April 12, the academy approved updated awards rules and campaign promotional regulations, announcing a significant update to its voting rules as part of its newly unveiled Awards Rules and Campaign Promotional Regulations for the 98th Oscars.
From now on, voters will be required to watch all nominated films in their respective categories before casting their final votes.
The change has sparked a mix of reactions, with many having expressed shock that this was not a requirement long ago, some have scratched their heads over the idea that voters could previously cast their votes without having seen all the nominated films.
'Wait.. so they voted without watching the movies,' X user @ratedpaulie asked.
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Wait.. so they voted without watching the movies? 😭 — paulie ⚓️ (@ratedpaulie) April 21, 2025
Some argue that the absence of a requirement to view all nominated films may have resulted in uninformed voting and biased outcomes.
'I thought that was the norm??? Was it not??? Did they just have to bribe the judges?? I'm befuddled,' said @DnD_Wait_Room.
I thought that was the norm??? Was it not??? Did they just have to bribe the judges?? I'm befuddled — DnD Waiting Room (@DnD_Wait_Room) April 21, 2025
This rule is intended to promote more responsible and informed voting overall.
This is how the academy will ensure the enforcement of the rule: To verify that voters have watched all nominated films, the Academy will monitor viewing activity through its exclusive Screening Room platform.
For films watched outside of the platform, such as at festivals or private screenings, members will need to submit a verification form with details of when and where they saw the film.
Additionally, the Academy has introduced a new category, 'Achievement in Casting', which will feature a unique selection process.
The Casting Directors Branch will narrow down the entries to 10 films, showcasing them in a 'Bake-Off' event with 5-minute reels and Q&A sessions.
Branch members will then vote on the top 5 nominees after viewing all 10 films. In the final round, all Academy members will vote after being shown edited versions of the presentations.
Other substantive awards rules changes include formal guidance on the use of generative AI in filmmaking.
'With regard to Generative Artificial Intelligence and other digital tools used in the making of the film, the tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination.
'The Academy and each branch will judge the achievement, taking into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when choosing which movie to award,' the statement reads.
The reaction on social media has been varied, with some users supporting the new change and others criticising the lack of it during all the years of the voting process.
However, one thing is certain: the Oscars will be a bit different next year.
With this new rule in place, there will likely be some unexpected winners and a more detailed discussion around the films and filmmakers being recognised.
And if you are already counting down the days until next year's ceremony, mark your calendars. The 98th Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with nominations set to be announced on Thursday, January 22.