Academy approves new rules, campaign regulations for 99th Oscars
LOS ANGELES : The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has approved the awards rules and campaign promotional regulations for the 99th edition of the Academy Awards, introducing significant changes to eligibility norms, campaign practices and category guidelines.
Among the key revisions, the Academy has clarified that only performances and screenplays created by humans will be eligible for awards. The move comes amid growing concerns over the use of generative artificial intelligence in filmmaking. While the use of AI tools is not barred, the Academy has specified that acting performances must be “demonstrably performed” by individuals, and writing categories will recognise only human-authored scripts. The body has also reserved the right to seek additional information to verify compliance.
In another major change, actors will now be eligible to receive multiple nominations in the same acting category for different performances, aligning acting awards with other categories where such recognition is already permitted.
The rules governing the Best International Feature Film category have also been revised. Films in non-English languages that win top awards at major international film festivals — including Cannes, Berlin and Sundance — will now be able to qualify independently. In addition, more than one film from a single country may be nominated, and the award will henceforth be credited to the film’s director rather than the submitting country.
Other changes include expanding eligibility in the casting category to allow up to three credited individuals per film and formalising a shortlist of 20 films for the cinematography category.
The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
The Academy regularly updates its rules and campaign regulations to reflect evolving industry practices and to maintain the integrity of the awards process, including restrictions on promotional activities during the awards season.
