Academy Announces Major Rule Changes for 99th Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a series of eligibility rule changes for the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2027. The updates address artificial intelligence in filmmaking, actor award eligibility, the international feature film category, and multiple nominations for performers. The changes apply to films released in 2026.

Artificial Intelligence Regulations

Only roles "demonstrably performed by humans with their consent" will be eligible for acting awards. This rule explicitly excludes performances generated or created by AI.

For screenplays submitted in the original or adapted categories, the work must be entirely "human-authored." The Academy stated that while AI tools are permitted, they will "neither help nor harm" a film's chances. The Academy reserves the right to inquire about the extent and manner of AI usage in submitted films.

"The Academy remains committed to honoring human work."

The rule update follows the release of the film "As Deep as the Grave," which uses generative AI to depict the late actor Val Kilmer. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, has publicly supported the practice.

Acting Awards and Multiple Nominations

Performers may now receive multiple nominations in the same acting category for different roles if they receive sufficient votes. Previously, only the performance with the highest vote count advanced to the nomination stage.

International Feature Film Category

Films in the international feature film category can now qualify by winning top awards at major film festivals, including Cannes, Berlin, Busan, Venice, and Toronto, in addition to the traditional national submission process. Multiple films from the same country may now compete against one another.

The award will be given to the film itself, and the director's name will be listed on the statuette plaque, shifting the honor from the submitting country to the filmmakers.

Additional Rule Changes

The Academy also announced updates to rules for the casting, hairstyle, and makeup categories, as well as new regulations for how productions can campaign for awards.

Context

The Academy stated the changes respond to input from the global filmmaking community and address eligibility barriers. The Academy reviews and refines its rules annually.

Social media reactions to the announced changes were largely positive, particularly regarding the human-only eligibility rule in relation to protecting creative jobs.