Something big is brewing behind the scenes at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, as it prepares for the 99th Academy Awards in 2027. The organization has approved a new set of rules that could change how films qualify, compete, and, ultimately, win the industry’s most prestigious honor. Even though this rule change is not anything unusual, the latest move could impact filmmakers, studios, and audiences alike in unexpected ways. 

The new rules spanning the films, actors, casting and styling reflect the intricacy that is woven behind the scenes of Hollywood's biggest night. 

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has quietly changed how films and performances will be recognized on the world stage with a set of new rules. The changes are seen as bigger opportunities for international films. Most significantly, the rules regarding the Best International Feature Film have been modified. The Academy has made a number of substantial changes to this category in an effort to resolve long-standing issues of restricted representation and bring more clarity.

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Combined with the tweaks to acting awards, these updates show the Academy’s commitment to modernize its framework and ensure global inclusivity. 

The current acting rule mechanism goes back to the very beginnings of the Academy Awards. The last major rule change for acting was at the 17th Academy Awards in 1945. Then, Barry Fitzgerald is the only actor to have ever been nominated for both lead and supporting actor for the same role. The Academy soon limited each performance to one nomination. Now, decades later, that rule is back in action.   

Along with the major category updates, the Academy has made a series of changes across key branches, designed to bring more consistency and clarity to the voting process. These changes affect the shortlist nomination process, who can vote, and how nominations are judged. 

Taken together, these rules are more than mere changes: They are a signal of the Academy’s desire to grow with a rapidly changing film landscape. The changes are designed to make the awards more inclusive, transparent, and relevant. As the 99th Oscars approach, it is clear the road to Hollywood’s biggest prize is being rewritten in ways that may affect the future of films. 

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As global representation grows and the focus shifts to the filmmakers themselves, could this be the start of a more inclusive and creator-centric Oscars era? Let us know in the comments.