On Monday, April 21, The Academy’s Board of Governors announced extensive new awards rules and campaign promotion regulations for the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026. Many of the updated rules respond to controversies from last year’s Oscar campaign. Notably, regarding concerns about Best Picture nominees like “The Brutalist” and “A Complete Unknown” using generative artificial intelligence (AI), the Academy’s Science and Technology Council added new eligibility language stating that the use of generative AI or digital tools neither advantages nor disadvantages a film’s nomination chances. Instead, the Academy and each branch will evaluate achievements based on the extent of human creative authorship behind the film. Additionally, addressing the previous confusion caused by numerous “Nominees to be determined” announcements, the Academy introduced deadlines for Producers Guild of America (PGA) mark certification submissions. Films released between January 1 and June 30, 2025, must prove PGA submission by September 10, 2025, while those released from July 1 to December 31, 2025, have a deadline of November 13, 2025. In the Best International Feature Film category, eligibility criteria were revised to reflect recent situations like “The Seed of the Sacred Fig, ” submitted by the country in which its dissident filmmakers sought asylum. The new rule states the submitting country must confirm that creative control predominantly lies with citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee or asylum status of that country, thus embracing refugee filmmakers. Concerning campaign promotional regulations, a new rule prohibits public communications—including social media posts, reposts, shares, and comments—from disparaging the techniques used or the subject matter of any motion picture. This complements the AI-related discussions from the past season, but the clause about subject matter serves as a broader, enduring principle. Violations by any Academy member, film company, or associated individual can result in penalties. Other changes include expanding voting access for the Best Animated Short Film category to all Academy members, provided they view all 15 shortlisted films. A new shortlist will also be introduced for Best Cinematography, comprising 10 to 20 films from the preliminary voting round. The newly established Achievement in Casting category will be part of the preliminary voting stage with a shortlist of 10 films.

Similar to categories like Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, and Visual Effects, it will feature a “bake-off, ” where Casting Directors Branch members view presentations and engage in Q&A sessions with nominees. Music categories have split submission deadlines: Best Original Song submissions are due by Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 5 p. m. PT, while Best Original Score submissions are due by Monday, November 3, 2025, 5 p. m. PT. Furthermore, Oscar-qualifying film festivals now have access to certified mailing houses to share festival programming information with Academy members. A definitive procedural change mandates all voting members must watch every nominated film in each category to be eligible to vote in the Oscars’ final round. All designated nominees will appear on the final ballot. The 98th Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p. m. ET/4 p. m. PT. Key submission deadlines and dates for the 98th Academy Awards include: - August 14, 2025: First submission deadline for Animated Short Film, Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film, and Live Action Short Film categories - September 10, 2025: First submission deadline for General Entry categories, Animated Feature Film, Best Picture, and RAISE form - October 1, 2025: Submission deadline for International Feature Film - October 6, 2025: Student Academy Awards - October 9, 2025: Final submission deadline for Animated Short Film, Documentary Short Film, and Live Action Short Film - October 15, 2025: Submission deadline for Music (Original Song) - October 16, 2025: Final submission deadline for Documentary Feature Film - November 3, 2025: Submission deadline for Music (Original Score) - November 13, 2025: Final submission deadline for General Entry categories, Animated Feature Film, Best Picture, and RAISE form - November 16, 2025: Governors Awards - December 8–12, 2025: Preliminary voting period - December 16, 2025: Oscars Shortlists Announcement - January 10–11, 2026: Nominating screenings (bake-offs) for Casting, Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, and Visual Effects - January 12–16, 2026: Nominations voting period - January 22, 2026: Oscars Nominations Announcement - February 10, 2026: Oscars Nominees Event - February 26–March 5, 2026: Finals voting period - March 15, 2026: 98th Academy Awards ceremony These changes reflect the Academy’s efforts to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and integrity in the awards process amid technological advances and evolving industry dynamics.