The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has approved a wide set of rule changes for the 99th Oscars, set for 2027, covering artificial intelligence, acting nominations and international film eligibility.
The updates reshape how performances, screenplays and global submissions are assessed, with new limits and expanded entry routes introduced across multiple categories.
A key change allows actors to receive multiple nominations in the same category if more than one performance ranks among the top five votes.
“Under this rule, that fear might have been alleviated, allowing Mescal to campaign in lead for his turn as playwright William Shakespeare.”
The Academy also introduced stricter rules on authorship, stating that only human-written screenplays will qualify for nomination.
It said it would monitor the use of generative artificial intelligence and may request further details on how it was used in submitted films.
In acting categories, only performances credited in official film billing and performed by humans with consent will be eligible.
The changes come amid growing industry debate over digital likeness use and AI-assisted production techniques.
The international feature category has also been expanded, allowing multiple films from the same country to qualify for nomination.
Films can now also enter through major festival awards, including the Cannes Palme d’Or, Berlin Golden Bear, Venice Golden Lion, Sundance, Busan and Toronto prizes.
This move is expected to widen access for films that are not selected by national committees.
The Academy also changed credit rules so that nominated films, rather than countries, will now be listed on Oscar records.
Other updates include an increase in casting awards from two to three statuettes, and new requirements for voting participation in technical categories.
The Academy said all changes aim to reflect evolving filmmaking practices while maintaining standards around authorship and creative control.