The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a significant rule change for the 98th Oscars, and it’s sparked a frenzy online. From 2026 onwards, Oscar voters will be required to confirm that they’ve watched all the nominated films in a category before casting their vote in the final round. This policy, which mirrors the British Academy’s (BAFTA) procedure, is meant to make the voting process more responsible and informed.
According to Variety, the rule change is part of broader updates for the 98th Academy Awards which include that the members must now confirm they’ve watched all nominated films in a category to be eligible to cast vote in the final round. Additionally, all nominees in each category will now appear on the final ballot.
The Academy is now implementing a new rule that members must now watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round for the Oscars. pic.twitter.com/f4uV7UbQZl
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) April 21, 2025
Also Read: You Season 5: Release Date, Plot, New Cast, Recap And All About The Most-Awaited Finale
Many users expressing shock that this wasn’t already a requirement. One userwrote, “Oh man, this must be the dumbest “requirement” I have ever seen. The Academy is absurd. You would think just out of common sense and integrity that would not even need to be said” another user was stuck in shock as he wrote “THEY WERENT DOING THAT BEFORE?”, while another questioned, “Were they just voting on vibes?” where others flooded the comment section questioning the authenticity of award shows “So prior to this they didn’t have to watch all the films? This goes to show that these award shows are not real!” another one added “So they voted against movies they didn’t even watch ? I know why nobody takes the oscars seriously”
Some users connected the lack of viewing requirements to historical snubs of Black films, with one commenting, “This explains why movies like The Color Purple, What’s Love Got to do With It, and Malcom X were snubbed. These voters were NOT watching black films?” another added “What does it say about the quality of films nominated these days that the judges have to be **forced** to watch the nominated films?”
Oscars 2026
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, the nominations voting period will go from January 12 to January 16 with nominations to be announced on January 22. The updated rules also include expanded eligibility for international filmmakers and new submission deadlines across several categories.
Also Read: Priyanka Chopra To Ang Lee: Full Guest List Of Honourees At the 4th Annual Gold House Gold Gala
