revised contest protocol for the Oscars: jurors obligated to have watched the nominated movies
Breaking the Mold: Academy's New Rule Demands Members to Watch Every Nominated Film
Hear that, Tinseltown? The Academy of Oscars has pulled a shocker, y'all. As of Monday, April 21, members are now obligated to watch every film nominated in their respective categories to cast a vote in the final round. Previously, they only had to swear an oath that they saw the darn things. But with stars busier than a one-armed wallpaper hanger, some were skipping out on the nominees – all because of trends.
According to the gossips at The Hollywood Reporter, the Academy will keep track of the films through a members-only streaming platform. For movies sniffed at film fests or screenings, members will need to fill out a form stating when and where they saw the flick.
The Great Debate: AI in Cinema
The Academy's also got some thoughts on AI after the fuzz over The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez at the Oscars. Here's the scoop: Using AI ain't a disqualifier for a film, as per the new rules. The Academy is all about focusing on the human touch when deciding which flick deserves the gold statue.
Avoiding False Drama
Drama around Emilia Pérez and The Brutalist: AI didn't wait for its invite to the party of voice editing in cinema. The Academy states that those digital tools won't sway the nomination process, focusing instead on the human element when choosing the winning film.
The Great Escape: Refugee Directors and Actors
The Academy's also switched things up for directors and actors with refugee status. Instead of having to represent their country of origin, they can now swing with the country that's given them asylum. These new regulations kick in at the 98th ceremony on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Behind the Scenes: Enrichment Data
The Academy will use its Academy Screening Room service for tracking films viewed by the members. For movies watched elsewhere, members can fill out a "Seen Elsewhere Form" to prove they watched the movie before casting their vote. This is crucial if they want to participate in a given category's voting process via the digital ballot system[2][3].
The implications of the new rule are interesting:
- Busy Members: The rule will require more time from busy members, which might lead to less participation or biased decisions due to time constraints.
- Younger Members: The digital platform could make viewing easier for the young guns, but if they're unfamiliar with the films or lack access to screenings, they might struggle too. On the upside, the rule could urge younger members to engage more with films, improving their industry knowledge and decision-making abilities.
- With the new Academy rule in effect from 2025, members will be required to watch every film nominated in their respective categories before casting their votes.
- The Academy Screening Room service will be used to track films viewed by members, while a 'Seen Elsewhere Form' will be filled out for movies watched elsewhere.
- The focus on AI in cinema, as per the new rules, is not a disqualifier for a film, with the Academy prioritizing the human touch in deciding the worthy recipient of the gold statue.
- For directors and actors with refugee status, the new regulation starting from the 98th ceremony in 2026 allows them to represent the country that has given them asylum instead of their country of origin.
