Oscars 2026: New Rules Announced, AI Films and Casting Category Included

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the details of the 98th Academy Awards, one of the most prestigious events in the film industry. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. For this edition, the Academy has introduced several new rules.

The Academy announced that Oscar nominations will be revealed on January 22, 2026, and that changes have been made in the voting procedures across several categories. It has mandated that every nominated film must be watched by Academy members for eligibility in voting.

A new category titled "Achievement in Casting" has been introduced, which will include a two-phase voting process. Casting directors will undergo several testing rounds before the final voting. Notably, films made using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology will now also be considered. However, the Academy clarified that AI films will not overshadow traditional films, which will continue to receive priority. Films released between January and December 2025 are eligible for the awards, while the nomination deadline for the Music category is set for October 15, 2025. These new rules are expected to make the 98th Oscars even more exciting for movie lovers.