LOS ANGELES, CA – April 22, 2025 — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially approved the awards rules and campaign promotional regulations for the 98th Academy Awards®, set to air live on ABC on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
Among the most significant updates is a new requirement for Oscar® voters: Academy members must now watch all nominated films in a given category to be eligible to vote in the final round. This move aims to ensure a fairer, more informed voting process. All designated nominees will now appear on the final ballot.
New Casting Award Makes Its Debut
A historic addition this year is the inaugural Academy Award for Achievement in Casting. The category will follow a two-step process: a preliminary vote to shortlist 10 films, followed by a “bake-off” presentation and Q&A session for the Casting Directors Branch before nominations are determined.
Generative AI Acknowledged, But Human Creativity Remains Key
In a first, the Academy has addressed the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. According to the updated rules, the use of AI tools will neither help nor hinder a film’s chances of receiving a nomination. The primary focus remains on the human contribution to the creative process.
Expanded Voting and Submission Rules
Several other categories also saw important changes:
- Animated Short Film voting in the nominations round is now open to all Academy members who opt in and watch all 15 shortlisted films.
- Cinematography will now include a preliminary voting round to create a shortlist of 10 to 20 films.
- International Feature Film eligibility has expanded to include creatives with refugee or asylum status.
- Music Categories will follow new submission deadlines, with Original Song due by October 15, and Original Score by November 3, 2025.
- For Best Picture consideration, PGA submission proof is required by September 10 or November 13, 2025, depending on release date.
Updated Campaign Regulations
The Academy has also refined its promotional guidelines. Oscar-qualifying festivals can now use approved mailing houses to share programming with Academy members. Meanwhile, public communications—including social media—must refrain from disparaging techniques or subject matter of competing films, with violators facing potential penalties.
Important Dates for the 2025-2026 Oscars Season:
- August 14, 2025: First submission deadline for Shorts and Documentaries
- September 10, 2025: First deadline for General Entry categories
- October 1, 2025: Deadline for International Feature Film submissions
- January 22, 2026: Oscars Nominations Announcement
- February 10, 2026: Oscars Nominees Event
- March 15, 2026: 98th Oscars Ceremony
- April 28, 2026: Scientific and Technical Awards
Full rules and campaign promotional guidelines for the 98th Oscars are available at oscars.org/rules.