Oscars rulebook gets a re-write–and Indian cinema stands to gain
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has approved a set of new and revised rules for the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled for 2027, introducing changes that impact acting writing, international features, and the use of artificial intelligence along with a significant opening for filmmakers from India and other prolific nations.
Acting rules changed
The Academy has shifted from its long standing practice, it will now allow performers to receive multiple nominations in the same acting category-lead or supporting. If an actor's performance gets top five votes, they may be nominated for multiple performances in each of those categories. Until now, the actors were restricted to a single nomination per category, even if multiple roles earned the same support.
The Academy has also clarified eligibility in acting categories, stating that only roles credited in a film’s official legal billing and performed by human actors with their consent will be considered. The clarification follows industry debate sparked by the use of Val Kilmer’s likeness in the upcoming film As Deep as the Grave.
Human authorship emphasized amid AI concerns
The Academy has reserved the right to request detailed disclosures about AI usage and the extent of human creative control in any submitted film, addressing the growing use of generative artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
In the writing categories, the rules now explicitly state that screenplays must be human authored to qualify.
The Academy, while acknowledging evolving technology, reiterated that its awards framework will continue to prioritise human artistry.
A boost for Indian filmmakers
The most consequential change for India comes in the Best International Feature Film category. Traditionally, each country or region could submit only one official entry, selected by a local, Academy-approved committee. That restriction has now been partially lifted.
A film can qualify independently for Oscar consideration if it wins top prize at selected global festivals including Berlin (Golden Bear), Cannes (Palme d’Or), Venice (Golden Lion), Sundance (World Cinema Grand Jury Prize), Busan (Best Film Award) and Toronto (Platform Award). As a result, multiple films from the same country could now contend for nominations in the international feature category.
The international feature Oscar will no longer be credited to a country alone. Instead the statuette will be awarded to the film’s director on behalf of the country, with the filmmaker's name engraved on the plaque and record in Academic history.
Technical and category specific updates
What’s next
The updated rules were formulated by the Academy’s Awards Committee in collaboration with various branch executive committees and are subject to final approval by the Board of Governors.
The 99th Academy Awards will be held on March 14, 2027, followed by the landmark 100th ceremony on March 5, 2028 — now governed by a rulebook that signals a broader, more inclusive vision of global cinema.
Acting rules changed
The Academy has shifted from its long standing practice, it will now allow performers to receive multiple nominations in the same acting category-lead or supporting. If an actor's performance gets top five votes, they may be nominated for multiple performances in each of those categories. Until now, the actors were restricted to a single nomination per category, even if multiple roles earned the same support.
The Academy has also clarified eligibility in acting categories, stating that only roles credited in a film’s official legal billing and performed by human actors with their consent will be considered. The clarification follows industry debate sparked by the use of Val Kilmer’s likeness in the upcoming film As Deep as the Grave.
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Human authorship emphasized amid AI concerns
The Academy has reserved the right to request detailed disclosures about AI usage and the extent of human creative control in any submitted film, addressing the growing use of generative artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
In the writing categories, the rules now explicitly state that screenplays must be human authored to qualify.
The Academy, while acknowledging evolving technology, reiterated that its awards framework will continue to prioritise human artistry.
A boost for Indian filmmakers
The most consequential change for India comes in the Best International Feature Film category. Traditionally, each country or region could submit only one official entry, selected by a local, Academy-approved committee. That restriction has now been partially lifted.
A film can qualify independently for Oscar consideration if it wins top prize at selected global festivals including Berlin (Golden Bear), Cannes (Palme d’Or), Venice (Golden Lion), Sundance (World Cinema Grand Jury Prize), Busan (Best Film Award) and Toronto (Platform Award). As a result, multiple films from the same country could now contend for nominations in the international feature category.
The international feature Oscar will no longer be credited to a country alone. Instead the statuette will be awarded to the film’s director on behalf of the country, with the filmmaker's name engraved on the plaque and record in Academic history.
Technical and category specific updates
- Casting: The maximum number of statuettes awarded will increase from two to three.
- Cinematography: A fixed shortlist of 20 films will be established during preliminary voting, replacing the earlier variable range.
- Makeup and Hairstyling: Branch members must attend at least one of two final roundtables to be eligible to vote in the preliminary round.
- Visual Effects: All Academy members must view the three-minute ‘Before and After’ reels from the Visual Effects Bake-Off to vote in the final round.
- Original Song: For songs introduced as the first new music cue during end credits, submitted clips must now include the final 15 seconds of the film preceding the credits.
What’s next
The updated rules were formulated by the Academy’s Awards Committee in collaboration with various branch executive committees and are subject to final approval by the Board of Governors.
The 99th Academy Awards will be held on March 14, 2027, followed by the landmark 100th ceremony on March 5, 2028 — now governed by a rulebook that signals a broader, more inclusive vision of global cinema.
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