There’s another Oscar shakeup ahead, as they announce a slew of rule changes across many of their categories. Entertainment attorney at Blake & Wang P.A., Brandon Blake, shares what you need to know.
Best International Picture Changes
The next Oscar ceremony will be the 99th edition, and with almost a century under its belt, some of the announced changes are most definitely needed. The changes in the Best International category, however, are the most notable so far, as it takes away the requirement for the country itself to submit the film. Countries will still be able to nominate, but non-English language titles can now also make their way by winning a (qualified) award at an international film festival. Currently, the list includes categories at Berlin, the Busan International Film Festival, Toronto’s TIFF, Venice, Sundance, and, of course, Cannes.
For many, this is a very welcome change, as frustration has been strong in recent years, as high-performing titles have remained ineligible due to the country restriction despite amazing runs. The film will now be credited as the nominee, with the winning director accepting the award. They will also be listed on the plaque.
Tackling AI
Unsurprisingly, AI also triggered some changes. Acting categories will now be open only to, well, real people. For writing, screenplays must also be human-authored to count. The Academy also now has the right to ask about the use of GenAI within entrants.
Actors may also now be nominated more than once in the same category in the same year. There’s also clarity of post-credit songs eying a Best Original Song entry, Best Casting gets more statuettes, and the Best Cinematography shortlist has been expanded.
This was far from all of the changes, which span from how many moderators must be on panels, right through to how those looking to drum up support for their films can approach Academy members, so there’s plenty more to explore.
Film and Television 