Los Angeles, CA – In a significant change to the Oscar voting process, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently unveiled a new rule requiring members to confirm they have viewed all nominated films in a category before casting their vote. This move is designed to enhance the credibility and integrity of the prestigious awards process.
Beginning with the 97th Academy Awards, voters will only have access to the final voting ballots after verifying that they have watched all the nominated films in a specific category. This requirement applies to all 24 competitive Oscar categories, ranging from best picture and acting to costume design and casting.
The Academy will monitor viewership through its members-only streaming platform, the Academy Screening Room. Films watched on this platform will be automatically recorded and counted towards a member’s eligibility. For films viewed outside the platform, members must submit an online form stating when and where they watched the film to ensure compliance with the new rule.
The primary objective of this change is to combat “coattail voting,” where voters may support a nominee based on reputation or buzz without having seen all competing films. By requiring voters to watch all contenders in a category, the Academy aims to encourage more informed and fair voting, especially for smaller films with limited exposure.
This rule will impact only the final voting phase and not the nomination process. The goal is to ensure that voters have a comprehensive understanding of the films they are selecting for recognition. Critics of the rule argue that it may be time-consuming, but the Academy asserts that it reflects a broader commitment to accountability and excellence.
With the Oscars set to take place on March 15, members are urged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and make time to watch the nominated films to make informed decisions. This shift in the voting protocol aims to elevate the standards of the Academy Awards and honor the hard work and dedication of the film industry.