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It sounds like a punchline, but it's actually the Oscars' newest rule
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Starting in 2026, if Academy voters want to cast a ballot in the final round
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they'll have to watch every nominated film in a category before voting
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And yes, this is the first time that's ever been required. The internet reaction has mostly been one big collective question mark
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with most people surprised that this hadn't been done before. The Academy made the announcement in a press release Monday
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And according to Variety, voting eligibility will be tracked through a private streaming platform for members
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If a voter watches a film elsewhere, they'll have to submit a form explaining where and when
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To be clear, Academy members are the ones who choose the Oscar winners
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So if you've ever felt a film was snubbed, there's a chance the people voting didn't even watch it
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Up until now, members were only encouraged to watch nominated films and to vote in categories they felt qualified in
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according to the Associated Press. Some voters have admitted to skipping out in the past A director told Entertainment Weekly ahead of this year show This rule change is a part of a broader shakeup
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The Academy also clarified its stance on AI. Going forward, AI-generated work won't help or hurt a film's nomination potential
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but the degree of human creativity behind it will be considered. Some of the additional changes include an animated short film
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All Academy members can now vote in nominations if they watch all 15 shortlisted films
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In cinematography, a new preliminary voting round will determine a shortlist of 10 to 20 films
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and an international feature film eligibility now includes filmmakers with refugee or asylum status
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These changes follow recent news that a stunt design category is coming in 2028
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and Conan O'Brien is set to host again in 2026 after his first time hosting the ceremony this year
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With Straight Arrow News, I'm Kennedy Felton. Download our app or visit san.com for more
