The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced significant updates to the rules, regulations, and key dates for the 98th Academy Awards.
Key changes include the introduction of a new award for Achievement in Casting, updated voting eligibility criteria, and the Academy’s first official stance on the use of generative artificial intelligence in film production.
Voting for nominations will take place from January 12 to 16, with nominees revealed on January 22. The Oscar Nominees Luncheon is scheduled for February 10, and final voting will occur from February 26 to March 5, ahead of the live ceremony on March 15, 2026.
A notable rule change requires Academy members to confirm viewing all nominated films in a category before voting in that category’s final round. This will be tracked through the Academy Screening Room or via submitted verification forms.
For the first time, all individual nominees within a category will be listed on the final ballot, benefiting artists like songwriter Diane Warren and sound designer Greg P. Russell.
The new Achievement in Casting award will honor casting directors and their creative collaboration with filmmakers. A shortlist of ten films will be reviewed through a “Bake-Off” event, followed by final voting by the Casting Branch.
The Best Cinematography category will also use a shortlist process. Voting for shortlists in categories like sound and visual effects will run from December 8 to 12.
The Academy clarified that AI-generated elements in films will neither aid nor harm nomination chances, with emphasis on human authorship.
Expanded eligibility now includes refugee and asylum-status filmmakers, earlier submission deadlines for music categories, and wider access for Animated Short Film voters.
