7 Essential Steps Film Professionals Must Take to Prepare for the 99th Academy Awards

The Academy has introduced major rule changes for the 99th Oscars, prioritizing human-led creative work and expanding eligibility pathways for international films. Understanding these updates is essential for filmmakers to navigate new submission requirements and campaign regulations for the 2027 awards season.

RMN Stars Awards Desk
New Delhi | May 24, 2026

7 Steps Film Professionals Must Take to Prepare for the 2027 Oscars

As the film industry evolves, so do the standards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. For the upcoming 99th Academy Awards, the Board of Governors has approved substantive changes that impact everything from acting eligibility to AI regulations. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, here is how you should prepare.

1. Verify Human Authorship and AI Compliance

The Academy has officially codified that human-led creative work is the priority. To be eligible in Writing categories, screenplays must be human-authored. Similarly, acting roles must be demonstrably performed by humans with their explicit consent. Be prepared to provide detailed information regarding any use of Generative Artificial Intelligence if the Academy requests it to ensure these standards are met.

2. Revisit Acting Campaign Strategies

A significant shift in acting eligibility now allows actors to receive multiple nominations in the same category for different performances. This change aligns the acting branch with other categories, provided the performances rank in the top five votes. Agents and studios should consider this when positioning talent who have had a prolific year with multiple standout roles.

3. Explore New Pathways for International Features

Non-English language films now have a secondary route to eligibility beyond their country’s official selection. A film can qualify by winning a top award at a major international festival, such as the Golden Bear at Berlin, the Palme d’Or at Cannes, or the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. Additionally, these awards are now credited to the film itself rather than a specific country, with the director’s name appearing on the statuette plaque.

4. Adjust Technical Submissions and Clips

Technical branches have updated their procedures that require precision in your submissions:

• Original Song: Submission clips must now include the final 15 seconds of the film before the credits begin to ensure the song’s context is fully captured.
• Cinematography: The preliminary shortlist has expanded to 20 films, offering more visibility for cinematographers.
• Casting: The number of statuettes awarded in the Casting category has increased to a maximum of three.

5. Prioritize Accessibility in Digital Promotions

Campaigning has become more inclusive. All digital promotional materials (eblasts) sent to Academy members must now include contact information for accessibility and disability inquiries. This ensures that screening accommodations are addressed for all voting members.

6. Coordinate Q&A and Promotional Sessions

For the 99th Oscars, the Academy has updated its promotional regulations to allow for up to two moderators during pre-nomination Q&A sessions. This offers more flexibility for panel discussions and deep-dives into the filmmaking process.

7. Mark Key Submission Deadlines

Preparation is nothing without punctuality. Ensure your production schedule aligns with these critical 2026 dates:

• August 13: Deadline for Animated Short Film and Documentary categories.
• September 30: Deadline for International Feature Film.
• November 12: Final deadline for General Entry, Best Picture, and Animated Feature.
• January 8–10, 2027: Mandatory branch voting events (bake-offs) for Casting, Sound, and Visual Effects.