Oscars Implement Compulsory Viewing of Nominated Films, Introduces Regulations for AI and Refugee Filmmakers' Submissions
Rewritten Article:
Headline: Yeah, No More Skipping Nominated Movies for Oscar Voters
Subhead: The Academy's New Rule for a More Informed Voting Process
Oscar voters, get ready for some extra popcorn because from now on, watching all nominated films before the awards ceremony is no longer optional. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has made it mandatory for all members to watch every film in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round[1].
Up until this move, voters had the freedom to watch only the movies they felt confident in voting for, but recent years have shown that this lax approach has significantly influenced the outcomes[2]. It's been common to see Academy members confess in anonymous ballots that they didn't catch some standout films or didn't finish longer nominees.
The new rule coincides with the academy's effort to tighten other aspects of the voting process too. For instance, they've offered some clarity on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, stated their stance on allowing filmmakers with refugee or asylum status to represent a country not their own for the Best International Film category, and proposed new regulations for the newly introduced Casting award[1].
On the international front, the academy will now accept submissions by filmmakers with refugee or asylum status in countries other than their own. By doing so, they've acknowledged the limitations that the existing process imposes on the nomination opportunities for filmmakers working under authoritarian or undemocratic regimes[3].
What the rule change doesn't account for, however, is the situation of filmmakers who haven't fled their countries or those whose films are overlooked by national selection committees[3]. Furthermore, the academy has indicated that the use of AI tools doesn't significantly impact a film's nomination chances[4].
The new Casting awardintroduced this yearwill have a shortlist of ten films, selected by members of the casting branch after a preliminary round of voting. A "bake-off" presentation and a Q&A session with the nominees will then be arranged to help voters make an informed choice[4].
In other entertainment news, the nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame have been announced, and Sturgill Simpson recently delivered a memorable performance in Seattle after canceling a Spokane show. If you missed out, THING Festival has announced its 2025 lineup, and the Showbox outdoor concert series is making a splash at Tacoma's Dune Peninsula[5].
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[1] [ alleged source 1 ][2] [ alleged source 2 ][3] [ alleged source 3 ][4] [ alleged source 4 ][5] [ alleged source 5 ]
- In an effort to ensure a more informed voting process, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has required Oscar voters to watch every movie in each category before the 2026 awards ceremony.
- The new rule also includes attempts by the academy to tighten other aspects of the voting process, such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, the recognition of films made by filmmakers with refugee or asylum status, and the regulation of the newly introduced Casting award.
- The academy will now accept submissions from filmmakers with refugee or asylum status, acknowledging the limitations imposed by the existing process on the nomination opportunities for filmmakers working under authoritarian or undemocratic regimes.
- In the entertainment industry, there have been recent developments in movies-and-tv, as the nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame were announced, and Sturgill Simpson delivered a remarkable performance in Seattle after canceling a show in Spokane.
- Future entertainment events include the THING Festival lineup for 2025 and the Showbox outdoor concert series at Tacoma's Dune Peninsula.
