Academy revamps Oscar rules for 2027; new international feature norms could boost Indian films

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has approved sweeping rule changes for the 99th Academy Awards in 2027, introducing updates across acting, writing, international feature eligibility and several technical categories — with one major revision potentially benefiting Indian cinema.

Key changes to acting categories

The Academy has revised its acting nomination rules to allow performers to earn multiple nominations within the same category if more than one of their performances lands among the top five vote-getters.

Previously, if an actor received enough votes for multiple performances in a category, only the highest-ranked performance would be considered.

This means stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio could now secure two Best Actor nominations in the same year if both performances qualify.

The Academy has also clarified that only performances credited in a film’s official legal billing and performed by humans with consent will be eligible — a move seen as a response to growing concerns over digital likeness usage, including discussions around Val Kilmer’s likeness in As Deep as the Grave.

AI rules tightened

The Academy has formally addressed the use of generative AI in filmmaking.

Under the updated writing category rules, screenplays must now be human-authored to qualify for Oscar consideration. The Academy also reserves the right to seek additional disclosures about AI use and the extent of human creative involvement in submitted films.

Big boost for India and other global film industries

The most notable change for Indian filmmakers comes in the Best International Feature category.

Until now, each country could submit only one official entry, selected by a local Academy-approved committee.

Under the revised rules, films can now also qualify independently by winning top honours at major international film festivals, including:

• Berlin International Film Festival (Golden Bear)
• Cannes Film Festival (Palme d’Or)
• Venice Film Festival (Golden Lion)
• Sundance Film Festival (World Cinema Grand Jury Prize)
• Toronto International Film Festival (Platform Award)
• Busan International Film Festival (Best Film Award)

This opens the possibility for multiple films from the same country — including India — to contend for nominations if they perform strongly on the festival circuit.

Directors to receive official recognition

Another major change: the Best International Feature Oscar will now officially be awarded to the film’s director, rather than solely to the submitting country.

For instance, this year’s winner Sentimental Value would now formally recognise filmmaker Joachim Trier alongside Norway.

The director’s name will now appear on the Oscar statuette and in Academy records.

Other category updates

Additional rule changes include:

• Casting category statuettes increased from two to three
• Cinematography shortlist fixed at 20 films
• Makeup and hairstyling voters must attend at least one final roundtable
• Visual effects voters must watch “Before and After” reels before final voting
• Original song submissions tied to end credits must now include the final 15 seconds before credits begin

The Academy has also mandated that each year’s Governors Awards honour recipients from at least three different disciplines.

The 99th Oscars will be held on March 14, 2027, while the landmark 100th Academy Awards are scheduled for March 5, 2028.