The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced major rule changes for the 99th Oscars in 2027, allowing actors to receive multiple nominations in the same category, a significant shift in the Oscars voting rules aimed at improving fairness and transparency.

The Oscars 2027 rule changes are part of a broader update to the Academy Awards system, focusing on acting nominations, eligibility criteria, and global inclusion, according to Variety.

Performers will now be eligible for more than one nomination in the same category if multiple performances rank among the top five in Oscar voting.

Under previous Oscars voting rules, only one performance per actor was allowed in each category. If an actor had two top-ranking performances, the one with fewer votes was automatically removed.

This update aligns acting categories with other Oscar sections and directly addresses concerns over "category fraud" in Oscars, where studios strategically place performances in lead or supporting categories to avoid vote splitting.

Why the rule change matters

The move is expected to reduce manipulation in Oscar nominations campaigns and ensure deserving performances are not excluded due to restrictions.

Industry experts say this could significantly impact future Best Actor and Best Actress Oscar nominations, especially in years when performers deliver multiple standout roles.

Past Example: Kate Winslet Oscars Campaign

A widely cited example is Kate Winslet during the 2008 awards season. Winslet campaigned for Revolutionary Road as lead actress and The Reader as supporting actress, winning Golden Globes for both.