Oscar voters must watch all nominated films before casting final ballots

Academy introduces new rule to ensure all Oscar voters view each nominated film before making final selections.

The Oscar statue is displayed inside the Samuel Goldwyn Theater at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on the morning of the 95th Academy Awards nominations, in Beverly Hills, California, on January 24, 2023. Photo by Jay L. Clendenin/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In a landmark move to bolster transparency and trust in the voting process, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a sweeping change: Oscar voters must watch all nominated films in a given category before they cast their final ballots. The change, revealed in a statement issued on Monday, will take effect starting with the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2026.

This updated voting requirement marks a significant shift from previous years, when the Academy operated largely on the honor system. Until now, voters were trusted to view each Oscar-nominated film in a category before submitting their choices, but no formal verification process was in place. With concerns mounting about fairness and impartiality, particularly in categories with an increasing number of nominees, the Academy has opted for a more rigorous and accountable framework.

A response to growing concerns over voting integrity

The new requirement that Oscar voters must watch all nominated films is designed to address persistent doubts about whether members have truly engaged with the content they are tasked with judging. Over the years, some Academy members have admitted to casting votes without viewing all eligible films, especially in less-publicized categories or in years with an overwhelming number of nominees.

Under the revised system, Academy members will be monitored through the organization’s secure streaming platform dedicated to voters. This platform will track which titles have been watched and when. For films screened outside the Academy’s platform—such as at film festivals, private industry showings, or commercial theaters—voters will be asked to complete a formal declaration, providing details of the time and venue in which they watched the film.

This verification process aims to create a level playing field for all films, particularly independent or international entries that may lack the promotional muscle of major studio releases. It’s part of the Academy’s broader effort to enhance the credibility and fairness of the Oscars.

Best Picture campaigns face new scrutiny

The implications of this rule change are particularly significant in the Best Picture category, where up to 10 films are nominated annually. Studios typically go to great lengths to promote their contenders through lavish marketing campaigns, exclusive screenings, and red-carpet events complete with Q&A sessions featuring prominent directors, actors, and producers.

These efforts are meant to capture voters’ attention and sway their opinions, but under the new rules, influence alone won't be enough. Oscar voters must watch all nominated Best Picture contenders to have their ballot counted in that category. This condition will likely compel greater participation in screenings and reduce the tendency of voters to rely on hearsay, trailers, or studio buzz when making decisions.

Addressing the role of artificial intelligence in cinema

Beyond voter accountability, the Academy has also clarified its position on another contentious issue: the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. Following controversies during the most recent awards season—particularly surrounding films like The Brutalist and Emilia Perez, which faced scrutiny over their use of AI and other digital tools—the Academy released new guidance.

In its statement, the Academy emphasized that the use of AI or digital enhancements will "neither help nor harm" a film's chances of receiving a nomination. Importantly, the Academy reaffirmed that nominations and awards will continue to be based on creative authorship and the extent to which human effort lies at the core of the artistic process.

"The Academy and each branch will judge the achievement, taking into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when choosing which movie to award," the statement said. This clarification may offer some reassurance to artists concerned about the rising presence of generative tools in film production, while also setting limits on fully AI-generated works being rewarded at the same level as traditionally created films.

Reinforcing the Academy's credibility

The announcement that Oscar voters must watch all nominated films before casting final ballots is part of the Academy’s broader strategy to uphold its reputation in an evolving entertainment landscape. The organization has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years—not only over voting irregularities, but also regarding issues of diversity, transparency, and the growing influence of streaming platforms.

By introducing a more accountable voting process, the Academy hopes to prevent high-profile controversies like those that marred past seasons. This includes the 2023 ceremony, when several members admitted to skipping short films and documentaries entirely, and the 2024 ceremony, which drew criticism over perceived biases in technical categories.

The new system should also help elevate underdog titles that often get overshadowed during awards campaigns. By ensuring that every voter actually views every nominated film, the Academy levels the playing field for smaller productions, foreign-language films, and less publicized entries.

Preparing for implementation

Implementing the new rules will be a logistical challenge. With over 10,000 members in the Academy’s voting body, tracking viewership and verifying attendance at screenings will require significant administrative support. However, the Academy appears confident in its ability to handle this transition, citing upgrades to its secure streaming infrastructure and a streamlined digital reporting system.

Some voters may bristle at the increased oversight, viewing it as an intrusion into their decision-making autonomy. But the Academy argues that accountability is essential in preserving the Oscars’ integrity as the film industry continues to evolve.

As the next Oscars approach, the message from the Academy is clear: if you want your vote to count, you must do the work. Watching every film isn’t just a recommendation anymore—it’s a requirement.

An evolving Oscars landscape

The rule change signals a continued evolution of the Academy's values and processes, building on recent efforts to modernize the Oscars. In recent years, the Academy has introduced diversity and inclusion benchmarks for Best Picture eligibility, tightened campaign rules, and expanded its membership to include more international and underrepresented voices.

Now, with the mandate that Oscar voters must watch all nominated films before casting their final ballots, the Academy is taking another step toward fairness and transparency. While some may see the rule as burdensome, others view it as long overdue—a way to restore confidence in an awards system that, for all its pomp, depends on the integrity of those who cast the votes.