New Oscars Rule Reveals the Darkest Academy Secret Yet

On Monday, April 21, The Academy announced a new set of rules considering final voting.

It is stated that the AI “tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination.” They're also putting all nominees on the final ballot and opening up Animated Short Film voting to more members. But that's not what has everyone talking.

So, Are Academy Members Obligated to Watch All Nominated Movies?

If you've ever felt guilty about not finishing your Oscar watchlist before the ceremony, don't. Apparently some Academy members may have been in the same boat. The Academy announced:

“In a procedural change, Academy members must now watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round for the Oscars.”

Let that sink in for a moment. The fact that the Academy had to make it an actual rule may mean there were probably enough members not watching everything to make this an issue worth addressing.

Fans’s Reaction to New Oscars Rule Is Pure Gold

“There were quotes a while back from voters for the Animated Feature category that were voting for the Disney/Pixar movie with the rationale that it was the only one they'd watched. Weird. If I was an Academy Voter I would not half ass it so badly,” Redditor Whitewind617 wrote.

“This essentially means Scorsese is going to be the one deciding on all winners. Which I’m fine with,” Redditor sgtbb4 joked.

“No wonder so many lousy winners over the years, the f– casting the votes didn't even bother to see the alternatives they had,” Redditor zorasht said.

Now There’s One More Reason to Wait for Oscars 2026

I am more than excited for the next Oscar season with the new rules in town. Will it lead to different types of films winning? Will smaller, lesser-known nominees get a fair shot? One thing's for sure: at least now we know the voters have actually seen the movies (I know, revolutionary).

The 98th Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026.