The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced on Monday a new set of rules for its members and other modifications. According to the latest modifications, the Academy's members must watch films nominated in every category to be able to vote for the Oscars. Earlier this year, a controversy broke out after some Academy members revealed that they did not watch the Best Picture Oscar nominee Dune: Part Two owing to its length.
The Academy also announced key dates for the upcoming Oscars ceremony. It will announce Oscar nominations on January 22, 2026. As announced earlier, Oscars will take place on March 15 at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and Conan O'brien is set to return as the Oscars host for the second consecutive time. Earlier, the Academy introduced an Oscar award for stunt design, which will be effective for films releasing in 2027 for the subsequent year's edition. The latest addition is an Achievement in Casting Oscar award. The new changes also pertain to requirements for international films, with eligibility now covering filmmakers who have asylum or refugee status, and earlier submission deadlines for original song and score categories.
