The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences does not change its rules lightly. For nearly a century, the Academy Awards have operated within a tightly held framework that balances tradition with evolution.

That is precisely why the latest rulebook update, set to come into effect for the 99th Oscars in March 2027, feels less like a tweak and more like a quiet reset. It reflects a film industry in transition, one negotiating the rise of artificial intelligence, the globalisation of storytelling, and long-standing questions around fairness in representation. For India, often caught in debates over which film deserves to go to the Oscars, the changes could be particularly consequential. But beyond national implications, the Academy's decisions signal a broader philosophical shift about authorship, performance, and who truly gets recognised when cinema travels across borders.

Why has the Oscars rulebook changed now?

The Academy has been under increasing pressure to keep pace with how films are made and consumed. From streaming platforms reshaping distribution to artificial intelligence entering the creative process, the traditional definitions of authorship and performance are being challenged. The new rules are an attempt to future-proof the Oscars without diluting their core principle, which remains centred on human creativity.

There is also a clear push towards inclusivity. For years, critics argued that the Oscars' structure limited global participation, particularly in the international feature category. By revisiting these frameworks, the Academy appears to be acknowledging that cinema is no longer bound by geography or a single national voice.

Can actors really get nominated twice in the same category?

Yes, and this is one of the most striking changes. Until now, even if an actor delivered two exceptional performances in a single year, only one could make it to the final nominations in a category. That restriction has been lifted.

If two performances by the same actor rank among the top five in voting, both can now be nominated. It is a shift that aligns acting categories with how other Oscars categories already function.

To understand the impact, imagine a year where someone like Leonardo DiCaprio delivers two standout lead performances. Under the old system, one would have been pushed out. Now, both can compete, potentially even against each other. It introduces a new layer of competition while also acknowledging the reality of prolific actors working across multiple projects.

How is the Academy dealing with AI in films?

The Academy has drawn a firm line, at least for now. Performances must be carried out by human actors, with their consent and proper on-screen credit, to be eligible. Fully AI-generated performances will not qualify.

The writing categories have also been tightened. Screenplays must be primarily authored by humans, and the Academy reserves the right to request disclosures about the extent of AI involvement. This is not a blanket rejection of technology, but rather a clear assertion that awards will continue to prioritise human contribution.

The conversation gained urgency after debates around digital recreations of actors, including discussions linked to projects involving Val Kilmer. The Academy's updated stance makes it clear that while technology can assist, it cannot replace the artist at the centre of a performance.

What has changed for international films?

This is where the most significant shift lies, especially for countries like India. Previously, each country could submit only one film for consideration in the Best International Feature category, typically selected by a national body such as the Film Federation of India.

That rule has now been expanded. Films can qualify for Oscars consideration by winning top honours at major international film festivals, even if they are not officially submitted by their country.

These festivals include:

• Cannes Film Festival (Palme d'Or)
• Venice Film Festival (Golden Lion)
• Berlin International Film Festival (Golden Bear)
• Busan International Film Festival (Best Film Award)
• Sundance Film Festival (World Cinema Grand Jury Prize)
• Toronto International Film Festival (Platform Award)

Another important change is symbolic but powerful. The award will now be credited to the director rather than the country. So instead of a nation being listed as the winner, the filmmaker's name will take centre stage in official records.

Did you know?

The category has historically credited countries, not creators, which often blurred individual recognition on a global stage. This update corrects that long-standing anomaly.