The process up until now comes as a surprise to many!
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a new rule for the 2026 Oscars.
According to a press release, the Academy will now require members to "watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round for the Oscars."
Previously, the Academy did not require voters in all branches to have seen all films ahead of voting, though some viewing standards applied to specific categories such as the Documentary and Short brackets.
Some voters have already admitted to not watching all nominated films before voting.
A representative told Entertainment Weekly that proof of views are currently tracked on Academy Screening Room, an internal service where voting members can screen titles. They said: "There is also a 'seen elsewhere' form that members will need to submit before finals voting". If you have not viewed a title, the award category will be inaccessible (greyed)."
The news has sparked surprise online, as many assumed this was already a requirement.
View this post on Instagram
The 2026 Oscars ceremony is due to take place on the 15th of March, with preliminary voting beginning in December.
Tune in to World Wide Reb, weekday mornings at 8.45am on 98FM's Big Breakfast for all the latest entertainment news 🎬
