New Oscar rules: movie viewing will become mandatory, and casting will receive its distinction

The new Oscar rules are changing the approach to evaluating films. They have made it mandatory to review the work of casting directors. In 2026, jury members must review all nominated films before voting.

The American Film Academy has announced significant changes to the Oscars voting process. Starting in 2026, each jury member will be required to review all nominated films. Without this, their vote will not be counted, which is intended to increase the fairness and objectivity of the evaluation.

Previously, jury members were criticized for voting without reviewing all films. Works with more stars or those with active promotions were often chosen. The new rules aim to eliminate this practice.

The Academy will introduce a special confirmation system to control the review. Although the details remain unknown, this may be a digital recording of the viewing via the Academy platform or at private screenings.

The Academy has also paid attention to using artificial intelligence in filmmaking. The use of AI will not be a reason to disqualify a film, but jury members will consider how significant a person’s creative contribution was. If a movie is mainly created with the help of technology, this may affect the jury’s decision.

Another significant innovation will be the introduction of a new nomination—”Best Casting.” The award in this category will be presented for the first time in 2026. Representatives of the Academy emphasize that casting directors’ roles is critically important and deserves a separate distinction because they determine which actors will be chosen for certain roles.

The changes have already caused heated discussion in the industry. Some believe this is a step towards greater transparency and fairness, while others express concerns about monitoring viewing and possible complications for the Academy’s more than 10,000 members.

However, these innovations demonstrate the Academy’s intention to adapt to changes in the film industry. In the age of digital technology and artificial intelligence, it is essential to recognize technical achievements and maintain a human approach to evaluating creative work.