Oscars Overhaul Voting Rules & Introduce Stunt Category in Bid for Relevance
Published On: April 22nd, 2025
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced sweeping changes to the Oscars’ voting process, including a landmark rule requiring members to watch all nominated films in a category before casting final votes. This move, alongside the introduction of a long-awaited stunt design category and updates to international film eligibility, aims to address criticisms of fairness, modernize the awards, and potentially revitalize viewership for the 98th Oscars in 2026 and beyond.
The end of “blind voting”: A push for accountability
In a dramatic shift, the Academy now mandates that voters watch all nominees in a category to participate in final-round voting. This rule, effective for the 2026 ceremony, seeks to combat “coattail voting” — where members vote based on reputation rather than merit — and accusations of favoritism.
How it works:
- The Academy will monitor viewing via its members-only Screening Room platform
- For films seen at festivals or screenings, voters must submit verification forms
- Ballot access is restricted to categories where viewing is confirmed, mirroring BAFTA’s system
This change responds to past controversies, such as voters admitting they skipped lengthy nominees like The Brutalist, 2025’s 3.5-hour Best Picture contender. By ensuring informed votes, the Academy hopes to elevate deserving winners and restore public trust.
Stunt design finally takes the stage
After decades of advocacy, the Oscars will debut an Achievement in Stunt Design category at the 100th Academy Awards in 2027 (honoring 2026 releases). Stunt professionals, including over 100 Academy members, celebrated the move as overdue recognition for a craft integral to cinema since its silent-era pioneers like Buster Keaton.
The push for inclusion gained significant momentum through high-profile advocates such as director David Leitch (known for Deadpool 2 and The Fall Guy) and actor Ryan Gosling, who have consistently highlighted the artistry behind stunt work in major blockbusters like the Mission: Impossible and John Wick franchises. Beyond honoring these often-unsung heroes of filmmaking, the new category may also serve as a strategic move to boost Oscars viewership by acknowledging action films, a wildly popular genre that has historically been overlooked in major award categories.
This addition could help bridge the gap between critical acclaim and mainstream entertainment, potentially attracting younger audiences who are drawn to high-octane cinema while finally giving proper recognition to the daring professionals who make these spectacular sequences possible.
Additional reforms: Casting, AI, and global inclusion
- Achievement in casting:
- Debuting in 2026, this award will shortlist 10 films via a “bake-off” where casting directors present their work
- Recognizes collaborations in assembling ensembles, a critical yet underappreciated aspect of filmmaking
- AI guidelines:
- Films using generative AI tools will neither gain nor lose favor. Voters must assess the “human creative authorship” behind projects
- This neutral stance follows debates over AI’s role in 2025 nominees like The Brutalist
- International film expansion:
- Filmmakers with refugee or asylum status can now submit through their host countries, as Germany did for dissident Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig (2025)
- Procedural tweaks:
- Earlier deadlines for Best Picture, as linked to Producers Guild submissions, and music categories (Original Song: October 15; Score: November 3)
- All nominees’ names, and not just films, will appear on ballots, aiding perennial contenders like songwriter Diane Warren
Implications for the Oscars’ future
The Academy’s efforts to promote fairness through a required viewing rule mark a clear move toward more informed and equitable voting. While the intention is admirable—giving lesser-known and independent films a fairer shot—questions remain about enforcement. Can the Academy realistically track which members have watched what, particularly among older or less tech-savvy voters? Critics suggest the policy could unintentionally discourage participation, though supporters argue it ultimately strengthens the credibility of the awards.
Beyond fairness, the Oscars are also grappling with a viewership crisis. The introduction of a stunt category, long advocated for by action film fans, may help broaden the ceremony’s appeal and draw in younger audiences. At the same time, spotlighting international stories and refugee voices reflects a commitment to global relevance and inclusivity, helping the Academy stay aligned with evolving cultural values.
Transparency is another area under the spotlight, especially around the use of AI in production and the integrity of the voting process. Clear communication and accountability could help reduce accusations of elitism or bias, but whether these efforts build trust will depend on consistent, well-executed implementation.
Initial reactions from within the industry have been largely positive. Stunt coordinators and casting directors, often overlooked in the past, have welcomed the changes as overdue recognition. Still, some traditionalists worry that expanding categories may dilute the prestige of an Oscar win. Yet, with the 2025 ceremony already receiving praise for its energy and accessibility, these reforms might represent a long-awaited recalibration: one that balances artistic integrity with broader mainstream engagement.
Looking ahead
The 98th Oscars on March 15, 2026, will be the first test of these rules. Key dates include preliminary voting (Dec. 8–12, 2025) and nominations announcements (Jan. 22, 2026). As the Academy navigates these changes, its ability to balance tradition with innovation will shape not just the Oscars’ credibility but its role in an evolving cinematic landscape.
By mandating engagement and broadening recognition, the Oscars are betting on a future where fairness and spectacle coexist, a formula that could reignite public passion for the awards season.