New rule requires Oscar voters to watch all nominated films

In a significant shift that will alter how the Oscars are decided, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a new rule on April 21, 2025, requiring all members to watch every nominated film in each category before casting their vote for the Academy Awards.

The new policy, which the Academy introduced as part of a broader series of changes to the awards process, aims to ensure that Oscar voters are well-informed when making their decisions. In the past, voters could potentially cast their ballots without having seen every film nominated in each category, but that is no longer the case.

"Academy members must now watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round for the Oscars," the Academy stated in its announcement. "All designated nominees will also be included on the final ballot."

The decision has sparked widespread discussion, with many wondering how the Academy plans to enforce the new rule. According to reports, the Academy will track viewing activity through its members-only streaming platform, the Academy Screening Room. Members who watch films outside the platform, such as at festivals or private screenings, will be required to submit a form detailing when and where they watched the film.

This verification process, which was previously applied to categories like international feature, animated feature, and short films, will now be extended to all Oscar categories. The change is designed to reduce "coattail voting"—where voters might select a nominee based on its popularity or reputation without fully engaging with the film—and to promote more thoughtful, informed decisions by voters.

The move has been met with mixed reactions from the public. Many social media users were stunned to learn that, until now, Oscar voters didn't have to watch every nominated movie to cast their vote.

"GOOD!!!!! If your job is to watch movies, then you watch the damn movies," one person tweeted. Another user expressed disbelief, asking, "What were they voting for until now? Trailers?"

Others raised concerns about the integrity of previous Oscar decisions, with one commenter wondering, "Imagine if Dune: Part Two didn’t win an award simply because voters couldn’t sit through a two-hour film." Such thoughts have made many question how many deserving films and performances may have been overlooked in the past due to voters not fully engaging with the material.

This rule change comes as part of a broader overhaul of the Oscars. In addition to the new voting requirement, the Academy recently revealed that a new award for achievement in casting will be introduced next year. Furthermore, a category for achievement in stunt design will debut in 2028.

As the 98th Academy Awards ceremony approaches on March 15, 2026, the stage will once again be set for memorable moments and potential surprises. Conan O’Brien, who hosted this year’s ceremony, will return to emcee the 2026 event.

The Oscars are evolving, and this new rule reflects the Academy's commitment to ensuring that every vote counts—and that voters are thoroughly familiar with the films they support.