Oscars 2027: Academy rolls out new rules for acting and global film submissions

Oscars 2027 will see major rule changes as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences allows multiple acting nominations in the same category and expands international film eligibility.

In Short

• Actors can get multiple nominations in same category if both performances are top five
• Best International Feature Film allows two entries per country
• Award in International Feature Film goes to film and director

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has rolled out a fresh set of rules for the 99th Academy Awards, introducing notable shifts in how nominations and awards will be handled. The ceremony is slated to take place in 2027, and the latest changes signal a broader, more flexible approach across key categories.

Among the most striking updates is a revision in the acting categories. For the first time, performers may earn more than one nomination within the same category in a single year - provided both performances secure spots among the top five in the final voting.

Actors can now secure multiple nominations

According to the official press release, in the Acting category, actors can now get nominated for more than one performance in the same category if both are among the top five votes. Also, only officially credited roles performed by real people with their consent will be considered.

Changes have also been introduced in the Best International Feature Film category. Countries will now be permitted to submit up to two entries, potentially widening representation from across the globe.

The Academy has introduced two ways for a film to qualify in this category. Apart from being selected by a country through official committees, a non-English film can now also qualify by winning top awards at major international festivals like Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Sundance, Toronto, and Busan.

In another shift, the recognition in this category will now be awarded directly to the film rather than the submitting country. The director will receive the Oscar, with their name engraved on the statuette alongside the film’s title.

More changes across categories and voting rules

Beyond headline categories, several craft branches have also seen procedural updates. In casting, the number of statuettes awarded has been increased, allowing up to three recipients instead of the earlier cap of two. The cinematography branch will now establish a fixed shortlist of 20 films in its preliminary voting round, replacing the earlier flexible range.

Changes extend to voting eligibility as well. Makeup and hairstyling branch members will need to attend at least one of the final roundtable sessions to qualify for preliminary voting. In visual effects, members across the Academy must watch the “Before and After” reels presented during the bake-off process before casting their final votes.

The original song category has also been fine-tuned. For entries where the first new music cue appears at the start of the end credits, submissions must now include a clip that captures the final moments of the film leading into the credits.

Outside the competitive categories, the Governors Awards will now follow a broader representation rule, requiring honourees in any given year to collectively reflect at least three different disciplines.

Reflecting the growing role of technology in filmmaking, the Academy has also reserved the right to seek disclosures on the use of generative AI, including the extent of human contribution in a project.

These rules have been developed by the Awards Committee in consultation with multiple branch executive committees, including those overseeing international features and scientific and technical achievements, and will require final approval from the Board of Governors.

The 99th Academy Awards are set to be held on March 14, 2027, with nominations scheduled to be announced on January 21, 2027.

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