The Academy Awards are moving to tighten their rules after years of criticism and rising concern over artificial intelligence in film. The changes come after the 98th Oscars, which included a rare tie in the Best Live-Action Short Film category and several unexpected wins that sparked debate across the industry.
According to Variety, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has approved new guidelines for the 99th Academy Awards, set for 2027. The updates aim to address long-standing complaints about fairness while responding to new challenges tied to AI use in filmmaking.
One of the biggest changes affects acting categories. Performers can now receive multiple nominations in the same category if their roles rank among the top five vote-getters. The move targets what critics call “category fraud,” where studios push actors into less competitive categories. A past example often cited is when Kate Winslet won Golden Globes for both Revolutionary Road and The Reader, but only one performance gained serious Oscar attention.
The new rule could also change outcomes for actors like Paul Mescal. He had two strong performances in The History of Sound and Hamnet last year but was only submitted for one category and did not secure a nomination. Under the updated system, both roles could be considered if they earn enough support from voters.
The Academy also drew a clear line on artificial intelligence. Only performances delivered by human actors, with their consent and credited in official billing, will qualify for acting awards. This directly responds to growing use of AI-generated performances in films such as As Deep as the Grave, where technology recreated a performance approved by the late Val Kilmer’s family. By setting this rule, the Academy signals it will not reward fully AI-driven acting work. The decision reflects broader concern in Hollywood that technology could replace human performers and reshape the creative process in ways that undercut traditional craft.
Another key change affects the International Feature category. Countries can now submit more than one film for consideration, ending a long-standing limit of one entry per nation. Films can also qualify by winning top prizes at major festivals like Cannes or Berlin, which could expand global competition and increase visibility for non-English-language films.
The Academy’s updates show an effort to balance innovation with tradition. While the film industry continues to evolve, the organization is making it clear that human performance and creative control remain central to its awards. For many observers, that stance may help restore confidence in a system that has faced growing scrutiny in recent years.
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English (US) · 