The 98th Oscars: Exciting Changes Ahead

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced some significant changes to the rules and regulations for the upcoming 98th Oscars. These changes aim to enhance the voting process, increase transparency, and ensure that the winners are chosen based on their artistic merit. The nominations voting period will take place from Monday, January 12 to Friday, January 16. Official nominees will be announced on Thursday, January 22, followed by the annual Oscar Nominees Luncheon on Tuesday, February 10. Final voting to determine the winners will open on Wednesday, February 26 and close on Wednesday, March 5, 10 days ahead of the live ceremony. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of an Achievement in Casting award. This award will recognize the creative collaboration between casting directors, filmmakers, and producers in assembling a film’s acting ensemble. To determine the nominees, the Casting Directors Branch will review eligible films and vote to shortlist up to 10 titles, based on the level of creative input and collaboration demonstrated during the casting process. The shortlisted films will then be featured in a dedicated “Bake-Off” event, where branch members will view five-minute reels and participate in a Q&A with the casting directors. Casting directors associated with the shortlisted films will be asked to submit a written description of their casting process and a photo grid or full cast list. The Branch Executive Committee will then determine which individuals — no more than two — were primarily responsible for casting and received on-screen credit. In addition to the new award, the Academy has also updated its rules to include expanded eligibility for international filmmakers and new submission deadlines across several categories. The updated rules also include clarified guidance on the use of generative artificial intelligence in film production. The Academy has also introduced a new requirement for Academy members to view all nominated films within a category to be eligible to vote in the final round. This requirement is intended to reduce “coattail voting” and encourage more informed decisions from voters. To verify compliance, the Academy will monitor viewing activity through its members-only Academy Screening Room streaming platform. For films viewed outside the platform — such as at festivals, screenings or private events — members must submit a form indicating when and where they watched the film. This verification process is similar to how BAFTA conducts its voting, and is intended to ensure that Academy members are only voting on films they have actually seen. Some other key changes include:

• All designated nominees in each category will now appear on the final ballot.
• The award for best cinematography has been added to the shortlist process.
• The use of generative artificial intelligence in film production will be evaluated based on the degree of human creative authorship involved.

The Academy has also issued its first formal guidance on AI in filmmaking. The rule states: “With regard to Generative Artificial Intelligence and other digital tools used in the making of the film, the tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination. 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 guidance aims to ensure that the Academy’s voters are evaluating films based on their artistic merit, rather than the use of technology. In total, 12 artisan categories use shortlists, with only production design, costume design, and film editing still determined solely through the nominations phase. The Cinematographers Branch will name between 10 and 20 films for consideration for the best cinematography award. The Academy has also updated its rules to include expanded eligibility for international filmmakers. The updated rules state that films produced by international filmmakers can now be submitted in more categories, including documentary feature, international feature, and the three shorts. The 2025 oscars season is expected to be a promising one, with several exciting films lined up for release. Some of the notable films include “Frankenstein” directed by Guillermo del Toro, “Hamnet” directed by Chloé Zhao, and “Bugonia” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.

“The 98th Oscars are going to be a very special ceremony, with many exciting changes that aim to enhance the voting process and ensure that the winners are chosen based on their artistic merit.”

The full calendar of submission deadlines, voting periods, and special events is available on oscars.org/rules. The 2025 Oscars season is expected to be a memorable one, with many fans eagerly anticipating the live broadcast in March.

The 98th Oscars are expected to be a memorable one, with many exciting changes that aim to enhance the voting process and ensure that the winners are chosen based on their artistic merit. The updated rules and regulations aim to promote transparency and fairness, while also recognizing the creative contributions of international filmmakers. As the 2025 Oscars season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the live broadcast in March.