UPDATE: Oscar voters must now confirm they have watched all nominated films to cast their votes this awards season. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced a strict new policy requiring over 10,000 members to view every nominated film in each category before the final ballot deadline on March 5, 2024.
In an urgent email sent on October 30, the Academy outlined the steps members must take to ensure compliance with this unprecedented rule. This is the first time the organization is offering detailed guidance on how the new regulation will be enforced, with the aim of enhancing the integrity of the voting process.
To qualify for voting, members must view all five films in each category and all ten films nominated for Best Picture. The Academy states, “You do not need to save movie stubs, tickets or receipts. This is an honor system.” Films watched through the Academy Screening Room—a proprietary streaming service—will be automatically verified, while members must manually log any films viewed elsewhere.
The Academy emphasizes that members will receive notifications about any categories where they still need to watch films to be eligible to vote, underscoring the new policy’s intent to ensure voters are fully informed.
While the policy has been largely welcomed, some members express concerns about its enforceability. “Starting a film doesn’t guarantee it’s being watched,” one anonymous member noted, highlighting potential loopholes in the honor system.
This move reflects a significant shift in how Academy members engage with nominated films. Since 2019, the Academy has provided Best Picture nominees on its streaming platform, allowing for direct tracking of viewership. The goal is to prevent a trend where members vote for a favorite film in multiple categories without viewing the competition.
The Oscars also see other changes this year, including the introduction of a new award for achievement in casting, to be presented in 2026, and an award for stunt design, debuting in 2028.
Mark your calendars: the 2024 Oscar nominations will be announced on January 26, with the 98th annual Academy Awards scheduled for March 15, 2024. Conan O’Brien will return to host the ceremony, promising another night of glamour and surprises.
As anticipation builds for this year’s awards, the Academy’s new requirements could reshape the way films are viewed—and ultimately, how awards are won. Stay tuned for updates as the voting period approaches.
