Academy Updates Oscar Rules for 2027 Including Multiple Acting Nominations and AI Restrictions

A sweeping set of rule changes approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will reshape the 99th Oscars, redefining how performances are nominated, how international films qualify, and how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are treated within the awards process. The updates will apply to films released in 2026 and represent one of the most significant changes to Oscar rules in decades.

One of the most significant changes affects the acting categories. Performers can now receive more than one nomination in the same category if multiple performances rank among the top five vote-getters. Under prior rules, only the highest-scoring performance would remain, even if an actor had more than one role that qualified. The Academy has aligned acting with other categories, where multiple nominations for the same individual have long been allowed.

Studios and talent teams have often divided performances between lead and supporting categories to avoid splitting votes, a practice often referred to as category fraud. With the new rule, that pressure could ease, as actors can remain in the same category without risking exclusion if both performances attract enough support. Industry examples from past seasons, including campaigns involving Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jessica Chastain, illustrate how the previous system could shape nomination outcomes.

This rule also changes how multiple performances are recognized. In prior years, voters effectively had to consolidate support behind a single performance, even if an actor delivered multiple high-profile roles. Now, each performance stands on its own within the same competitive field.

In addition, the Academy has introduced a clear eligibility standard tied to authorship and performance. Acting nominations will only consider roles credited in a film’s legal billing and demonstrably performed by human actors with their consent. In the writing categories, the rules now formally require that screenplays be authored by humans to qualify. The organization has also stated that it may request additional information about the use of generative AI in submitted films, reinforcing its position that human creative contribution remains central to Oscar recognition, according to reports from Variety and Deadline.

As digital performance and AI-assisted production become more common, the Academy is setting clearer boundaries around authorship. The Academy is drawing a line between tools that support filmmaking and contributions that replace human authorship. While technology can still be used in production, eligibility for awards will depend on whether a person can be clearly identified as the creative source of the work being recognized.

A second major shift reshapes the international feature category. Films can now qualify for Oscar consideration either through official country selection or by winning a top prize at designated film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Venice International Film Festival, and Busan International Film Festival. This creates an alternative path for films that may be passed over by national committees, a situation that has affected high-profile titles in recent years.

The Academy has also changed how these films are credited. Instead of attributing nominations to a country, the film itself will now be recognized, with the director named on the statuette alongside the title. This shifts the category toward individual creative authorship rather than national representation, a notable departure from how international awards have historically been framed.

Other updates focus on process and participation. The casting category will now allow up to three statuettes. Cinematography will move to a fixed shortlist of 20 films. Certain branches, including makeup and hairstyling, must meet participation requirements such as attending roundtables to vote in early rounds. In visual effects, all voting members must review designated materials before casting final ballots. Campaign rules have also been adjusted to include accessibility requirements in promotional outreach to Academy members.

Key deadlines for the 99th Oscars begin in August 2026, with general category submissions due in September and final deadlines extending into November. The ceremony is scheduled for March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.