Academy Approves Sweeping Rule Changes for 99th Oscars Ceremony
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has approved a set of rule changes for the 99th Oscars ceremony, scheduled for March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The ceremony will air live at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and internationally.
Key modifications affect acting nominations, the International Feature Film category, and the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
Acting Categories
Multiple Nominations: Performers can now receive multiple nominations in the same acting category if their performances rank among the top five vote-getters. Previously, only the performance with the higher vote count was nominated.
Eligibility: Only roles credited in the film's legal billing and performed by human actors with their consent are eligible for nomination.
International Feature Film Category
Qualification Routes: In addition to being selected by a country or region, a non-English-language film can qualify for nomination by winning a top prize at one of six specified international film festivals:
- Berlin International Film Festival (Golden Bear)
- Busan International Film Festival (Best Film Award)
- Cannes Film Festival (Palme d'Or)
- Sundance Film Festival (World Cinema Grand Jury Prize)
- Toronto International Film Festival (Platform Award)
- Venice International Film Festival (Golden Lion)
Nominee Designation: The film itself will be credited as the nominee, not the submitting country or region. The director's name will appear on the statuette plaque.
Other Category Rule Changes
Casting: The maximum number of statuettes awarded has increased from two to three.
Cinematography: Preliminary voting will produce a fixed shortlist of 20 films, replacing the previous range of 10 to 20.
Makeup and Hairstyling: Branch members must attend at least one of the two final branch roundtables to be eligible to vote in the preliminary round.
Original Song: For songs submitted as the first new music cue during the end credits, the submitted video clip must include the final 15 seconds of the film before the credits roll.
Visual Effects: All Academy members must view the three-minute "Before and After" reels from the Visual Effects Bake-Off to vote in the final round.
Writing: Screenplays must be authored by humans to qualify.
Governors Awards: A minimum of three disciplines must be represented among honorees in any given awards year.
Generative AI Policy
The Academy reserves the right to request additional information regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence in any submitted film. Films in the writing category must be human-authored.
Campaign Regulations
- Pre-nomination screenings with Q&A or panel discussions may now feature up to two moderators.
- All electronic blast communications (eblasts) and "For Your Consideration" calendar entries must include contact information for accessibility and disability accommodation inquiries.
Key Submission Deadlines
Date Deadline Aug. 13, 2026 Early short film and documentary entries Sept. 17, 2026 General entry categories, animated feature, Best Picture, and Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form Sept. 30, 2026 International Feature Film Nov. 2026 Final deadlines for various categories Jan. 8-10, 2027 Bake-off voting events for casting, makeup and hairstyling, sound, and visual effectsEligibility and Ceremony Date
To be eligible for the 99th Oscars, a feature film must have a qualifying theatrical release between Jan. 1, 2026, and Dec. 31, 2026.
The ceremony will take place on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, airing live at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and internationally.