The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced several updates to the rules for the 99th Oscar Awards, scheduled for March 14, 2027. These changes span multiple categories and introduce new standards for acting, international feature films, and the use of generative AI.
The most notable change involves actor nominations. Previously, if an actor received multiple top-five votes for different performances, only the single most-voted performance was eligible. Under the new rules, actors can now be nominated for multiple performances in the same category—whether lead or supporting—provided those performances each earn enough votes.
Furthermore, the Academy has set strict eligibility requirements for acting roles. Only roles performed by humans with their consent and credited in the film's legal billing will be considered. This update serves to address ongoing industry discussions regarding the use of AI-generated likenesses in cinema.
The Academy has taken a firm stance on generative AI. They now reserve the right to request detailed information regarding the extent of AI use and the degree of human authorship in any submitted project. Additionally, the rules now formally codify that all screenplays must be human-authored to qualify for writing categories. This reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to human artistry despite rapid technological changes.
Indian filmmakers may find a significant advantage in the updated Best International Feature category rules. Previously, each country was limited to submitting only one film via an Academy-approved local committee.
Now, a film can qualify for consideration if it wins the top prize at major festivals, including the following:
Consequently, a single country could potentially secure multiple nominations in this category. Furthermore, the award will now be presented directly to the film's director, ensuring the filmmaker's name appears on the Oscar plaque and in official record books.
The Academy also introduced technical and structural changes:
These rules were developed by various branch committees and approved by the Board of Governors. As the industry prepares for the 99th Oscars, these adjustments aim to refine the awards process and better reflect the evolving landscape of global filmmaking.