In a major transformation of an Oscar vote, the Academy of Arts and Film Sciences has I announced that the members will now require To confirm that they watched all the films that were nominated in a category before allowing them to vote in this race.
The initiative, which aims to enhance the safety and credibility of the award process, combines digital tracking through the Oscar Chamber with the viewers reported by members-based on a temporary structure already for voters in the academy.
How to work
Starting 97th Academy AwardsPolling cards will not be opened during the final voting phase only for members who have been fulfilled that they have seen all the films that were nominated in a specific category. This requirement applies to all 24 competitive Oscar classes, from the best image and race races to fashion design and a newly presented photography award.
The Academy will track viewers through the exclusive broadcasting platform for members only, the Oscar examination room. Any movie that I watched is fully recorded on ASR and applied to the eligibility of the voter.
As for the films that are watching outside the platform – in a union, academy, festival, theatrical show or a special event – members must present a simple online model that shows when and where they watched the movie. These models work on the Honor system, a practice that the academy has already used for years in specialized categories such as international feature, animated features, documentaries and three short movie races.
In other words, this process is not new. It is just an expansion to include the rest of the Oscar poll.
Why happens
The target seems clear: reduced what is known as “Coattail”, as voters supports a candidate based on reputation, humiliation, or familiarity – often without seeing all competing films. This can lead to displays that are ignored and craftsmen that have not simply obtained sufficient exposure.
By requesting full viewing for all competitors in a category, the Academy hopes to promote the most enlightened and fair vote, especially for smaller films that may not contain huge marketing budgets.
For those who are concerned about tracking their viewing habits: Welcome to the Internet. All broadcast platforms follow your watch date. Have you heard about the algorithm?
The Academy has not received complaints about this topic of members yet. In fact, behind the scenes, the comments were largely positive.
This is something that members have requested for years. Those who participate in this process want to feel that Academy Awards It reflects real work and effort – not only the bowl.
What does voters mean?
This rule affects the final vote only, not the nomination stage. Using last season, for example: If only one of the members see the top 10 pictures of photos – “ANORA”, “The BRUTALIST”, “A Unwater Unknown”, “Conclave”, “Dune: Part Two” “Emilia Pérez”, “I am still here,”.
Add a few other titles – such as “The Appness”, “Aal Pain” and “Sing Sing” – and the eligibility expands to the four categories of acting and the air -conditioned script. Another one, such as “NosFERATU”, opens the production design.
It is not a matter of watching each movie, just every candidate in the categories you choose to vote on.
The process also enhances the position and responsibility that comes with an Oscar voter. Let’s be honest – the only people who complain who are not watching movies.
Does this enter into force immediately?
Yes. This is the current rule for the next prizes season.
But I have no time to watch every movie. What happens now?
While a handful may complain separately, the Oscars’ leadership confirms that the base reflects a broader cultural shift within the organization – one towards accountability, fairness and a truly honorable distinction.
With the presence of the corridors, the default shapes of the questions, answers and digital shapes available easily, there is no excuse to leave everything until the last minute.
At the heart of politics, there is a simple belief: if you don’t watch movies, you should not vote on it.
In fact, it can be said that all award groups must adopt similar requirements for their members, in an attempt to settle the stadium.
The Oscars are appointed on March 15.
