Oscars 2027 New Rules: Academy Announces AI Ban in Acting & Other Major Changes Across Categories

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced some changes for the Oscars 2027. The 99th edition of the Academy Awards is going to see strict rules on artificial intelligence to expand global film eligibility. The changes, announced on May 2nd, are expected to protect human creativity, ensure fairness, and open doors for international films.

AI Rules Take Centre Stage at Oscars 2027

The biggest headline from the Oscars 2027 rules is the Academy's clear stance on artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
For acting categories, only performances physically performed by humans with consent will be eligible. This means AI-generated characters including virtual influencers like Tilly Norwood are not allowed to compete for Oscars.

In writing categories, the Academy has made it clear that screenplays must be written by humans. While AI tools can be used, the Academy reserves the right to investigate how much AI was involved in the creative process.

Interestingly, the Academy clarified that AI will neither help nor hurt a film's chances, but the key factor will always be how much human creativity is involved.

Acting Rules Change: Multiple Nominations Now Allowed

Another major change is actors can now receive more than one nomination in the same category if both performances rank among the top contenders.

This brings acting categories in line with others and could lead to historic moments where a single performer dominates a category.

International Films Get a Big Boost

The Best International Feature Film category has been significantly expanded.Now, films can qualify not only through official country submissions but also by winning top awards at major global festivals, including, Cannes Film Festival (Palme d'Or), Venice Film Festival (Golden Lion), Berlin International Film Festival (Golden Bear), Toronto International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival.

This rule change was inspired by filmmakers like Jafar Panahi, whose award-winning films faced submission barriers due to political issues.

Another major tweak: the award will now go to the film itself, with the director accepting it, rather than being credited to a country.

Other Big Changes Across Categories

Several technical and voting-related changes have also been introduced:

• Casting: Up to three statuettes can now be awarded (earlier limit was two)
• Cinematography: Shortlist fixed at 20 films
• Makeup & Hairstyling: Mandatory participation in voting meetings
• Visual Effects: Members must watch "before and after" reels to vote
• Original Song: Stricter rules to verify song placement in films
• Governors Awards: Must include at least three different disciplines

Oscars 2027 Key Dates You Should Know

For the Oscars 2027, the eligibility window will run from January 1 to December 31, 2026, meaning films released during this period will qualify for consideration. The deadline for submitting entries in the Best International Feature Film category is September 30, followed by the submission deadline for Best Original Song on October 14 and Best Original Score on November 4. Key pre-awards events, including bake-offs for categories like casting, makeup, sound, and visual effects, will take place between January 8 and 10, 2027. The nominations for the 99th Academy Awards are expected to be announced in January 2027.