The Academy announced a new set of rules that will require voting members to have seen all nominated films to qualify to vote in competitive categories.

A new set of rules was announced by the Academy, and it is a major one that will impact the 2026 Academy Awards. In a move aimed at tightening the procedures surrounding the Oscars, the Academy’s Board of Governors approved a new set of rules on April 21 that impact how the awards are voted upon.

After years of informed speculation and online chatter about some Academy members not watching the nominated films before voting, the organization has announced a significant rule change for the upcoming Oscars season.