Showbiz News
-
-
-
Loading
Loading
In a move that’s raising eyebrows across Hollywood, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has introduced a brand-new rule for the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2026, and it's one that many fans are shocked didn’t already exist.
Starting next year, Academy voters will be required to actually watch all the nominated films in a category before casting their final votes. The announcement came via a press release on Monday, as AMPAS attempts to restore credibility and freshness to an awards ceremony that has recently been criticised for being out of touch, and, frankly, a bit dull.
The change follows mounting concern from film lovers and insiders alike, who have long speculated that some Academy members vote based on buzz, studio campaigning, or personal relationships, rather than having seen all the films in question. The backlash peaked after the 2025 Oscars, which many viewers labelled "boring" despite its 3.5-hour runtime and a star-studded red carpet.
While the Academy has now taken a stand on viewing responsibility, there’s still a major question mark over enforcement. The statement did not detail how AMPAS plans to verify whether voters have seen each film in a nominated category. Whether this will rely on an honour system, digital tracking, or mandatory screenings is yet to be revealed.
Reaction online has been swift and incredulous, with many users asking how it was possible that such a rule wasn’t already in place. One fan wrote, “So you’re telling me they’ve been handing out Oscars without even seeing all the nominees?!” Others have applauded the change as a long overdue step in ensuring the awards maintain integrity and relevance in an ever-competitive entertainment landscape.
The Oscars have long battled criticism over snubs, perceived bias, and lack of diversity in both nominees and winners. This latest shift suggests the Academy is listening, or at least trying to appear more transparent in its voting process.
Whether this rule will improve the prestige or popularity of the broadcast remains to be seen, especially after years of declining viewership. But one thing’s certain: the 2026 Oscars will come with a little more homework for the voters, and perhaps, just maybe, a little more justice for the films vying for Hollywood’s highest honour.
