By Vinod Ram 
In a move that’s shaking up Hollywood’s award season buzz, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced a game-changing rule for Oscar voting: members must now watch all nominated films in a category before casting their vote.
The change, announced ahead of the next awards season, aims to ensure a more informed and fair voting process—an issue that’s long been a topic of discussion within the film industry. In the past, there’s been criticism over members skipping lesser-known or independent films, sometimes favoring studio-backed titles or performances with more visibility. This new rule seeks to address that imbalance head-on.
How It Works
To vote in specific categories like Best Picture, Best Director, or Best International Feature, Academy members will now have to confirm they’ve viewed all the nominated works. This will be tracked through a secure digital platform that logs viewing history, primarily through the Academy’s streaming service. Exceptions may be made for in-theater screenings, but they will require verification.
Why This Matters
The Oscars are seen not just as a celebration of cinematic excellence but also as a barometer of industry recognition. When voters skip certain nominees—particularly smaller, diverse, or non-English-language films—it can undermine the credibility of the results. Requiring full viewing levels the playing field, giving each film a fair shot regardless of marketing budget or star power.
Filmmakers and cinephiles alike have applauded the move. Ava DuVernay tweeted, “This is a step in the right direction. Every film deserves to be seen before being judged.”
Potential Challenges
Still, the rule isn’t without its hurdles. With dozens of films in contention across categories, some worry it could lead to “checkbox” viewing or fatigue. Others raise concerns about access, especially for international members or those with limited screening opportunities.
However, Academy leadership insists the rule is both necessary and manageable. “This is about respect—for the craft, for the artists, and for the audience,” said Academy President Janet Yang in a statement. “If you’re going to vote, you need to do the work.”
The Bigger Picture
The Oscars have made several changes in recent years to address criticism and modernize the institution, including diversifying its membership and tweaking broadcast formats. This new voting rule signals a continued effort to raise the standards of transparency and equity in the selection process.
Whether this leads to more surprising winners, increased attention to underdog films, or simply more thoughtful choices remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the days of voting without watching are (officially) over.
