The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced revamped Oscar-eligibility rules Friday, with multiple changes directed at combating artificial intelligence.
Most notably, in acting categories, the new rules state that “only roles credited in the film’s legal billing and demonstrably performed by humans with their consent will be considered eligible.” The writing categories were also updated to “codify that screenplays must be human-authored to be eligible.”
The general eligibility requirements were also updated to note that the Academy “reserves the right to request more information about the nature of the use and human authorship.”
The new rules, which will take effect for next year’s 99th Academy Awards ceremony, also now permit actors to be nominated for multiple performances in the same category, “if those performances place in the top five votes, which aligns with achievements in other award categories.”
Academy rules traditionally prevented performers from being nominated more than once in the same category.
The Academy also updated rules in various other categories. Another notable change was in the International Feature Film category, expanding ways films can be submitted for consideration.
Under the new rules, international films can be submitted in the traditional way — as an official selection by a country or region. But they can also earn consideration by winning a qualifying award at an international film festival. For the 99th Oscars, the qualifying award/festivals will be:
— Berlin International Film Festival (Golden Bear for Best Film);
— Busan International Film Festival (Busan Award – Best Film Award);
— Cannes Film Festival (Palme d’Or);
— Sundance Film Festival (World Cinema Grand Jury Prize);
— Toronto International Film Festival (Platform Award); and
— Venice International Film Festival (Golden Lion).
The 99th Oscars will be held March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.