Thinking Weekly

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on May 1^st that they are changing a few rules ahead of the 99^th Academy Awards, but what do these changes mean?

To me, the most intense change out of the three was the one affecting the acting categories. Prior to this change, actors were only eligible to be nominated in a category once. So if they had multiple Oscar-worthy performances, either only one would be recognized, or one would have to be in the supporting category. The problem with this in previous years is that a very clear lead actor would be submitted as supporting to try to secure them the double nomination, potentially taking the supporting spot from a peer. So, the new rule will allow an actor to receive two separate nominations in the same category, as long as both performances receive enough votes. This is excellent for someone like Sandra Hüller, who plays a part in Project Hail Mary, Digger, Rose, and Fatherland, which will all be eligible at next year’s ceremony.

The next rule update was for the Best International Feature Film category. Previously, non-English films had to be submitted by their regional selection committees, meaning only one film per country was eligible for the nomination. With this change however, films can now be deemed eligible if they win the top prize from one of the six pre-approved film festivals. For those curious, the festivals are the Berlin International Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and Venice International Film Festival. Along with eligibility, the actual award will now be accepted by the director of the film rather than the country; however, the director will not be credited as the official nominee or winner.

Lastly, the Academy has officially banned the use of generative AI in writing, and given itself the right to request any information about the use of AI in any aspect of a submitted film. Something that should have been done for at least the last two award seasons, but nonetheless, is still a win.

The 99^th Oscars will take place at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on March 14^th, 2027.