Oscars makes major change to voting system — but viewers can’t believe it wasn’t already a rule
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Major change to voting eligibility for 2026 Oscars
- The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a new rule for the 2026 Oscars, which requires Academy members to watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to cast their final ballots.
- This change sparked surprise and disbelief online, as many assumed this was already a requirement.
- Some social media users called for revotes of past awards, believing outcomes would have differed under this rule.
- Previously, some voters admitted to not watching all nominated films before voting.
- The 2026 Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 15, with preliminary voting beginning in December.