The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled one of the most dramatic reforms in Oscar history, introducing sweeping changes that will reshape the race for the 99th Academy Awards. The updates affect acting categories, International Feature Film submissions, campaign rules, and the growing debate around artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
The most talked-about change now allows actors to earn multiple nominations in the same acting category if more than one performance lands among the top five vote-getters. That means a performer could theoretically secure two Best Actor nominations or two Supporting Actor nominations in a single year.
Previously, the Academy only allowed one performance per actor in each category, even if they ranked highly more than once. Now, that restriction is gone. As a result, the acting races could become far more competitive and unpredictable.
Industry analysts say the move brings acting categories in line with other Oscar races. In the past, directors and creatives could receive multiple nominations in a single category. Now actors will have the same opportunity.
The Academy also made its clearest statement yet on artificial intelligence. From now on, only performances demonstrably delivered by humans will qualify in acting categories. In addition, only human-authored screenplays will remain eligible in writing categories.
That rule sends a strong signal as Hollywood continues to debate the role of generative AI in film production. While technology may still support creative processes, the Academy has drawn a clear line around authorship and performance.
Another major breakthrough comes in the International Feature Film category. Non-English language films can now qualify in two ways. They may still be selected by their country or region, but they can also enter by winning specific awards at approved international festivals.
The qualifying festivals for the 99th Oscars include Berlin, Busan, Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, and Venice. This opens the door for acclaimed films that were previously blocked by national submission systems.
Many observers pointed to Anatomy of a Fall as an example of a film that would benefit under the new rules. The movie won the Palme d’Or at Cannes but was not selected by France for the Oscars. Under the new format, it would have been eligible.
The Academy also changed how International Feature Film nominees receive recognition. Instead of crediting only countries or regions, the film itself will now be the nominee. The director’s name will also appear on the Oscar statuette plaque.
That adjustment gives directors and creative teams long-awaited recognition. For years, International Feature wins counted only for nations, not for filmmakers in official Academy records.
Several other category changes were announced. The Casting award can now hand out up to three statuettes instead of two. Cinematography will expand its shortlist to 20 films. Visual Effects voters must watch the official bake-off reels before final-round voting.
Meanwhile, members in Makeup and Hairstyling must attend at least one final roundtable session to qualify for preliminary voting. The Original Song category also received updated rules tied to end-credit song placement.
The Academy released key dates for the 99th Academy Awards, which will take place on March 14. Submission deadlines begin in August, while voting events for several technical categories will take place in January.
These reforms could change awards strategy across Hollywood. Studios may rethink release calendars, campaign plans, and how they position stars with multiple performances in one year.
More importantly, the Academy appears determined to modernize the Oscars while protecting human creativity in the AI era.
