New Academy Rules for Oscars Target AI and Boost Global Films

Actors are now eligible for multiple nominations in the same category for different performances, provided both roles rank in the top five of the branch’s votes.

RMN News Entertainment Desk
New Delhi | May 3, 2026

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors has officially approved updated rules and campaign regulations for the 99th Oscars, scheduled for the 2026–2027 season. A primary focus of these changes is the protection of human creativity, specifically codifying that all eligible screenplays must be human-authored.

In the acting branch, roles are only eligible if they are demonstrably performed by humans with their consent, and the Academy reserves the right to investigate the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in any submission.

Significant shifts have also been made to acting and casting categories. Actors are now eligible for multiple nominations in the same category for different performances, provided both roles rank in the top five of the branch’s votes. Additionally, the number of statuettes recognized in the Casting category has been increased to a maximum of three.

[ Also Read: Academy and Oscars News and Views ]

For the International Feature Film category, the Academy has introduced a new qualifying path where non-English language films can gain eligibility by winning top awards at major international festivals, such as Cannes, Sundance, or Venice. Notably, the award will now be credited to the film itself rather than a country or region, and the director’s name will be featured on the statuette plaque.

Technical and voting updates include expanding the Cinematography shortlist to 20 films and requiring Visual Effects voters to view specific “Before and After” reels to be eligible to vote. New campaign regulations also demand that all digital promotional materials include contact information for accessibility and disability inquiries to ensure screening accommodations are met.

Key submission deadlines for the upcoming cycle are as follows:

• August 13, 2026: First deadline for Animated and Documentary Short Films.
• September 30, 2026: Deadline for International Feature Film submissions.
• November 12, 2026: Final deadline for General Entry and Best Picture categories.