Is there a loophole in the Oscars' new rule regarding voting? Some voters claim they don't actually have to watch every nominated movie

It has been just over a week since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced a new rule for voting for Oscars nominees, and some voters have already come up with escape plans.

A recent Variety report has reflected upon the potential loopholes that the Academy members have confessed to using to work around the new regulations. According to the magazine, the compulsion to watch all nominated films within a category might force the voters to employ multiple tactics to receive eligibility.

According to Variety, some members, especially those from the “Executive and Marketing and PR branches,” press the play button in the “Academy Screening Room” streaming application to satisfy the viewing eligibility criteria. The magazine noted that one can mute the film and switch tabs, letting it play in the background. A voter told Variety,

“The app only needs to see that you watched it. It doesn’t know if you’re sitting there.”

Per the magazine, the 1.5x playback option or hitting play before heading out are the loopholes that voters use to their advantage. At the same time, Variety pointed out in its report that loopholes such as “password sharing” or other workarounds are on the decline due to the Academy Screening Room’s two-factor authentication and heightened security.

AMPAS reportedly won’t verify the members’ declaration about watching Oscars-nominated films

Another discrepancy with the new Oscars’ voting rule is the declaration of watched films through an online form. According to The Hollywood Reporter, AMPAS will allow the members to share when and where they watched a specific nominated project. However, Variety’s latest report asserted that the Academy won’t verify the eligible voters’ claims, as the pledge will be based on the honor system.

Many members, driven by their allegiance to specific projects, push to earn eligibility to vote. An executive told Variety,

“You think I’m voting against my own campaign? I’m voting for my stuff.”

Despite some inconsistencies in implementation, the magazine reported that the new rule for voting at the Oscars has been welcomed by many. According to Variety, the much-appreciated change was hailed as “overdue,” citing its growing demand a few years back.

The Academy introduced new voting rules and more changes in the Oscars’ rulebook earlier this month

AMPAS announced some changes to the Academy Awards rulebook earlier this month, including the introduction of a new requirement for voting eligibility. Unlike the 97th Oscars, the members will be required to watch all nominated films to become eligible to vote in the final round.

At the same time, the Academy announced another change in the voting process by including the names of nominees with the films on the final ballot. AMPAS stated in the press release on April 21, 2025,

Trending

“Academy members must now watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round for the Oscars®. All designated nominees will also be included on the final ballot.”

Other changes were made to regulations around the use of AI, the Best Picture category, nominations in the International Feature Film category, and more. AMPAS will unveil the 98th Oscars nominees across all categories next year on January 22, while the ceremony will occur on March 15.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback