'Took almost 100 years': New Oscars rule requires voters to watch all nominated movies
Oscar voters will no longer be able to skip watching some nominated films, a move that has left many on social media asking why it took so long.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Monday that members must now watch all nominated films in each respective category to be eligible to vote in the final round of Oscar voting.
Until now, voters were only encouraged to watch the nominees and vote in categories they felt qualified to judge.
In recent years, the films actually watched by Oscar voters have been seen as a key factor in determining the winners.
At the same time, the publication of anonymous Oscar ballots has often featured members confessing that they didn't get around to watching some notable films or not finishing lengthier nominees.
The Academy's new rule has sparked debate online, with some questioning the credibility of the awards.
"So they voted against movies they didn't even watch? I know why nobody takes the Oscars seriously," one person wrote on X.
Another said: "It took almost 100 years for the Oscars to make sure the voters actually watched the movies they're voting for."
One user said: "Big 'huh' moment... It's no wonder some of these seemed like they were awarded to movies that didn't make sense."
They also questioned how this rule will be enforced, saying: "Lump Oscars in with Grammys being completely pointless. How would they even verify this anyway?"
Someone else argued that the failure to watch all nominated films may have contributed to Black American films being overlooked and losing out on winning awards.
"This explains why movies like The Colour Purple, What's Love Got to Do With It, and Malcolm X were snubbed. These voters were NOT watching black films," they said.
The Academy also introduced new rules on artificial intelligence (AI), refugee filmmakers, and its newly launched casting category.
On AI, it ruled that the use of generative tools would 'neither help nor harm' a film's chances of being nominated.
The role of AI in filmmaking has sparked debate across Hollywood, particularly after this year's Oscars saw controversy around Brady Corbet's The Brutalist.
AI was reportedly used to enhance Hungarian dialogue for stars Adrien Brody, who won best actor, and Felicity Jones, who was nominated for best supporting actress.
In the best international film category, filmmakers with refugee or asylum status will now be allowed to represent a country other than their own.
While countries will still submit entries, this change broadens eligibility for displaced filmmakers.
The Academy also outlined how its new casting award will work. After an initial round of voting to create a shortlist of ten films, members of the casting branch will take part in a 'bake-off," a presentation event including Q&As with the nominees before voting on the final winner.
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