AI Ban and Double Actor Nominations: Oscars Introduce New Rules

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled a revised set of voting regulations for the Oscars, set to take effect starting in 2027.

Artificial intelligence will be strictly barred from contention in acting and screenwriting categories, as the Academy reaffirms that these honors are reserved exclusively for human contributions.

Furthermore, actors will now be permitted to receive two nominations within the same category for different performances, provided both roles rank among the top five vote-getters. This change aims to curb “category fraud,” a common practice where actors were strategically shifted between lead and supporting roles to manipulate their chances of securing a nomination.

Significant modifications were also implemented for the International Feature Film category. Any film recognized at premier festivals—such as Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Sundance, or Toronto—is now eligible for consideration, regardless of whether it was officially submitted by its country of origin. Moving forward, the Oscar will be awarded to the director on behalf of the entire production team, with the director’s name inscribed on the statuette.

The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027. The most recent ceremony saw Paul Thomas Anderson’s Battle for Battle take home top honors.

Source: Variety