- Academy members must now watch all nominated films in a category to vote in it.
- This new rule will be enforced via streaming portal tracking and self-reporting.
- Social media reacts with shock, humor, and questions about past Oscar voting habits.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced a major new rule for the 98th Oscars: voters must confirm they’ve watched all nominated films in a category before casting their vote.
Online, the announcement triggered a wave of amusement and disbelief. Many users expressed shock that watching the nominees wasn’t already a requirement. Others poked fun with jokes like “Were they just voting on vibes?”
No More Voting on Vibes: Oscars Reform Viewing Rules for 2026
This new Oscars rule has caught the public’s attention more than usual. Not because of the policy itself, but because of the surprising implication that it wasn’t already in place. For years, audiences assumed Academy voters were required to watch the contenders — but they weren’t. Now, for the 98th edition, voters will need to verify they’ve watched all films in a category to cast a final-round vote.
The Academy will use its secure streaming platform to monitor compliance, a practice already employed by BAFTA. Members who attend live screenings or festivals can manually confirm their viewings. This creates a hybrid system to accommodate different viewing habits. It’s a step toward closing long-criticized gaps in the Oscars’ integrity.
In tandem with the viewing rule, the Academy has issued new guidance about artificial intelligence in filmmaking. While AI use won’t disqualify a film, voters are encouraged to consider how central human creativity was in the work. This is a growing concern as tech becomes more embedded in production processes.
Another notable update is the official inclusion of “Best Achievement in Casting” as a competitive category. Casting directors have long campaigned for this recognition, and its arrival is being celebrated across the industry. The Academy is now aligning itself with other major awards like BAFTA, where casting honors have been standard for years.
With these changes, the Academy appears to be listening. Not just to industry insiders, but to the growing public demand for accountability and transparency in Hollywood’s most prestigious awards.
“How did they do it before?” — A common reaction online that captures the public’s disbelief and the central irony behind the Oscars’ new viewing rule.
