In a major shift for Oscar voting protocol, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that members will now be required to confirm they have watched all of the nominated films in a category before being allowed to vote in that race. The initiative, aimed at strengthening the integrity and credibility of the awards process, combines digital tracking through the Academy Screening Room with member-reported viewings. Beginning with the 98th Academy Awards — March 15, 2026 — ballots during the final voting phase will only unlock for members who have verified that they’ve watched all nominated films in a category. The goal is to reduce what’s known as “coattail voting,” where voters support a nominee based on reputation, buzz or familiarity, often without even having seen the films. This can result in overlooked performances and artisan achievements that simply didn’t get enough exposure. It also stops films and actors from winning based on popularity. So far, members have seemed to accept the new ruling without any pushback. That’s likely because numerous members have been requesting this change for years. The members most engaged in the process want to feel that the Oscars reflect real work and effort, not just hype. At the core of the policy is a simple belief: If you haven’t seen the films, you shouldn’t be voting on them.
