Academy Awards New Rules for 98th Edition

The Oscars are entering a new phase this year. The Academy has introduced new rules for the 98th edition of the Academy Awards. Studios, publicists, and filmmakers are paying close attention. Awards strategies may need to shift. Campaign timelines could change. This is not a minor update. It signals a meaningful adjustment to how Hollywood’s biggest night operates.

The changes come from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. They reflect a film industry that looks very different from it did a decade ago. Streaming platforms now compete head-to-head with traditional studios. International films have a stronger presence. Standards around eligibility and representation continue to evolve. The new rules attempt to address all of this, and they could shape the race in unexpected ways.

The 98th edition of the Academy Awards will take place next month on March 15, 2026. But, as we prepare for the show, we review the rules and regulations of the event. Take a look at some of the new rules for this year’s award show. (See the full breakdown here)

Academy members must now watch every film nominated in a category before they’re allowed to cast a vote for that category in the final round. This rule closes a long-standing loophole where some voters cast ballots without seeing all nominated films.

The Academy is introducing a new Oscar for “Achievement in Casting,” recognizing the creative and strategic role that casting directors play in assembling a film’s ensemble.

All designated nominees in each category will now be included on the final ballot, rather than sometimes only listing the film title.

Films that want to compete for Best Picture must meet at least two of the Academy’s inclusion standards — such as on-screen representation, creative leadership diversity, industry access, or audience development — though these rules have been evolving for some years now.

The official eligibility list was released with over 300 films qualifying for Oscar consideration, but only a subset (about 201) meet the additional criteria to be eligible for Best Picture.