THE Academy’s Board of Governors has rolled out the red carpet for some major changes. One of the changes on the list has left many wondering why “it was not a rule all these years”.
This week, the academy approved updated awards rules and campaign promotional regulations, announcing a significant update to its voting rules as part of its newly unveiled Awards Rules and Campaign Promotional Regulations for the 98th Oscars.
From now on, voters will be REQUIRED TO WATCH all nominated films in their respective categories before casting their final votes.
The change has sparked a mix of reactions, with many having expressed shock that this was not a requirement long ago, some have scratched their heads over the idea that voters could previously cast their votes without having seen all the nominated films.
X user @ratedpaulie asked: “Wait.., so they voted without watching the movies?”
Some argue that the absence of a requirement to view all nominated films may have resulted in uninformed voting and biased outcomes.
Another added: “I thought that was the norm??? Was it not??? Did they just have to bribe the judges?? I’m befuddled.”
This rule is intended to promote more responsible and informed voting overall.
This is how the academy will ensure the enforcement of the rule: To verify that voters have watched all nominated films, the Academy will monitor viewing activity through its exclusive Screening Room platform.
For films watched outside of the platform, such as at festivals or private screenings, members will need to submit a verification form with details of when and where they saw the film.