NEW YORK — The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has made significant changes to its voting procedures for the Oscars, aiming to enhance the integrity of the awards process. Starting this year, Oscar voters will be mandated to watch all nominated films within each category before they are eligible to cast their votes in the final balloting round.

This change marks a departure from previous practices, where members were merely encouraged to view the nominees and were free to vote only in categories they felt knowledgeable about. The decision comes in response to growing concerns over the influence of what films voters choose to watch on the outcome of the awards.

Regulations Addressing International Filmmaking

In addition to the voting requirements, the Academy introduced new regulations concerning the best international film category. Notably, filmmakers who have obtained refugee or asylum status will now have the opportunity to represent a country that is not their country of origin in this category.

The updated eligibility criteria state that “the submitting country must confirm that creative control of the film was largely in the hands of citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee or asylum status in the submitting country.” This adjustment comes after ongoing criticism about the submission process being controlled by national governments, which often limits opportunities for dissident filmmakers.

For instance, Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof was recently granted asylum in Germany after leaving Iran to avoid imprisonment. His film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” was nominated for an Oscar after being submitted by Germany. However, others, like Jafar Panahi, have faced barriers due to restrictive submission pathways.

AI Use in Filmmaking

The Academy also addressed the role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. According to the new rules, the use of generative AI tools will neither enhance nor detract from a film’s chances of receiving a nomination. This guideline is particularly relevant given the controversies surrounding AI usage in films, such as Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist,” which raised questions after it was revealed that AI had been utilized to modify dialogue in specific scenes.

The Academy emphasized that the artistic merit of films will be judged primarily based on the extent of human involvement in the creative process, regardless of the use of AI technologies.

New Category for Casting and Additional Regulations

The Academy has also formally outlined procedures for its newly established casting Oscar. After an initial voting stage to narrow down the nominees to a shortlist of ten, members associated with the casting branch will participate in a “bake-off” presentation that includes a question-and-answer session with selected filmmakers.

Additionally, a new category for stunt design was announced, although this award will not be introduced until the 2028 Oscars.

Looking Ahead

The next Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, with Conan O’Brien returning as host. These regulatory changes reflect the Academy’s commitment to evolving alongside the film industry and addressing contemporary issues affecting filmmaking today.