Academy Unveils Game-Changing Rules for 2025 Oscars

Get ready, film buffs! The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has just rolled out groundbreaking new rules for the upcoming 98th Oscars, shaking up how members will vote on their favorite films.

Mandatory Viewing for Voting!

In a surprising twist, the Academy has now made it a requirement for all voting members to watch every single nominated film in a category before they can cast their votes. This aims to curb 'coattail voting'—where members vote for films they haven't seen simply because they are popular.

To ensure compliance, votes will be cast on the Academy's members-only streaming platform, where viewing activities will be monitored. For films watched outside of this platform, members will need to submit forms detailing when and where they viewed them. It's a no-nonsense approach to guarantee informed decision-making!

Exciting New Awards and Categories!

For the first time ever, the Oscars will introduce an award for **Achievement in Casting**, celebrating the vital role of casting directors in selecting the perfect ensemble for films. Nominees will be chosen based on their creative collaboration and will be showcased through a special 'Bake-Off' event where casting details will be examined in-depth.

Innovative Changes to Voting Process!

In a shift from previous years, the final ballot will now list all designated nominees in each category, not just the film titles. This change is particularly important for industry veterans like Diane Warren and Greg P. Russell, who have long been recognized for their contributions.

AI in Filmmaking: New Guidelines!

Additionally, the Academy has issued its inaugural guidelines regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. The new rules clarify that the use of generative AI will not influence a film's nomination chances; instead, the focus will be on the level of human creativity involved.

Key Dates to Mark on Your Calendar!

With the nomination voting period scheduled from January 12 to 16 and the final voting from February 26 to March 5, make sure to keep an eye on these dates. The nominees will be announced on January 22, followed by the Oscar Nominees Luncheon on February 10.

A Stellar Line-Up Awaits!

This year, the Oscars could shine the spotlight on some stellar films from acclaimed directors like Guillermo del Toro with **Frankenstein**, Chloé Zhao’s **Hamnet**, and Yorgos Lanthimos’s **Bugonia**, not to mention exciting individual projects from the Safdie brothers.

Bottom Line: The Oscars Are Evolving!

With these changes, the Academy is taking a bold step towards making the Oscars more representative of quality cinema. So get ready to watch, engage, and cheer on your favorites come March!