Kristina Roberts
The Oscars are getting a big shake-up with new rules announced this week. The Academy now requires voters to watch all nominated films before voting – closing a loophole that previously let members skip movies. Alongside this major change, officials unveiled new guidelines about AI use in films and created special provisions for refugee filmmakers. These updates aim to make Hollywood’s biggest awards fairer and more inclusive as the industry evolves. The changes come after years of criticism about voting habits and the need to adapt to new technologies and global realities in filmmaking.
The Mandatory Viewing Rule
In the biggest change to Oscar voting in decades, Academy members must now prove they’ve watched all nominees in a category before voting. Previously, voters could skip films and still cast ballots, leading to embarrassing admissions in anonymous interviews. Some members famously confessed to never finishing long films like “The Irishman” or skipping subtitled movies entirely.
“This ensures every film gets fair consideration,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer. The new system will use verified viewing through the Academy’s streaming platform. Members must watch at least 80% of each film for it to count.
The rule only applies to final voting, not the nomination stage. It comes after years of complaints that some winners benefited from voters not seeing all contenders. Last year, several anonymous ballots revealed members voting for familiar names over actually watching all performances.
Reactions have been mixed. “It’s about time,” said producer Sarah Jones. But some older members complain about the time commitment. The Academy is offering special screenings and extended viewing periods to help compliance.
AI Regulations in Filmmaking
The Academy’s new AI rules draw a clear line: films using artificial intelligence must disclose it, and only human-led work can win Oscars. While AI can be a tool for visual effects or editing, movies relying too heavily on AI-generated content won’t qualify for major categories.
“AI can’t replace human creativity,” the guidelines state. The rules specifically ban:
- AI-written scripts competing in screenplay categories
- Fully AI-generated animated films
- Digital performances without human actors
However, AI-assisted visual effects remain eligible. The move comes as films increasingly use AI for de-aging actors, creating backgrounds, and even writing assistance. Some filmmakers worry this could limit innovation.
“These are guardrails, not handcuffs,” explained technology branch governor Rachel Lee. “We’re protecting artistic integrity while allowing technical progress.” The rules will be reviewed annually as technology develops.
Most studios have welcomed the clarity. “It protects what makes movies special,” said a Disney executive. But some indie filmmakers using AI tools worry they’ll now be disqualified from competition.
Support for Refugee Filmmakers
In a historic move, the Academy will now allow refugee filmmakers to submit movies under a host country’s banner if their homeland won’t support them. Previously, only national governments could officially submit films for International Feature consideration.
“This opens doors for displaced artists,” said committee head Luis Martínez. The change helps filmmakers from countries in conflict or with oppressive regimes. To qualify, filmmakers must have official refugee or asylum status.
The first beneficiary could be an Afghan director now living in France, whose film about the Taliban takeover was rejected by Afghanistan’s government. “Now my voice can be heard,” they said anonymously due to safety concerns.
The rule maintains the one-film-per-country system but adds flexibility. Host countries must verify the filmmaker’s status and approve the submission. Some worry this could become political, but the Academy says a special committee will review borderline cases.
Human rights groups have praised the move. “Art shouldn’t have borders,” said Amnesty International’s cultural director. The change reflects Hollywood’s growing focus on global storytelling after successes like “Flee,” the animated documentary about a refugee’s journey.
The New Casting Category
After announcing a new Oscar for Best Casting last year, the Academy has finalized the rules. To qualify:
- Casting directors must be credited as “director of casting”
- At least 80% of principal roles must be cast through the credited team
- Films must submit casting session footage as proof
The first casting Oscar will be awarded next year. “This recognizes one of filmmaking’s most invisible arts,” said David Rubin, former Academy president. Veteran casting directors celebrated the long-overdue recognition, though some worry the submission requirements favor big studios over indie films.
Industry Reactions
Reactions to all the changes have been passionate. Director Ava DuVernay tweeted: “About damn time on all counts.” But some voters grumble about the viewing rule’s burden. “I used to vote in 15 categories – now maybe three,” one member complained anonymously.
AI companies have pledged to work within the guidelines, while refugee organizations hope the new film submission rules inspire other awards shows. As for the casting Oscar? “We’re already planning our FYC campaigns,” joked a veteran casting agent. The Academy promises these changes are just the beginning of modernizing the Oscars for a new era of filmmaking.
These sweeping reforms address long-standing Oscar controversies while preparing for cinema’s future. By enforcing viewing requirements, the Academy ensures fairer competition. The AI rules attempt to balance innovation with artistic integrity. And the refugee policy makes the awards more globally inclusive. While not everyone agrees with every change, most agree the Oscars needed updating. As one Academy governor put it: “We’re not your grandfather’s Oscars anymore.” The true test will come at next year’s ceremony, when viewers see how these rules affect which films get nominated – and which take home the gold.
