The Academy Updates Rules for the 99th Oscars

May 4, 2026, 21:20
IndiaEntertainment

Introduction

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced new rules for eligibility and nominations. These changes focus on the use of artificial intelligence and new ways for international films to enter the competition.

Main Body

The Academy has introduced strict rules regarding human authorship to limit the influence of generative AI. To be eligible for acting and screenwriting awards, it must be proven that the work was created by humans. For actors, explicit consent is now required. These changes follow the 2023 Hollywood strikes, where unions fought to protect human creativity and prevent the unauthorized use of an actor's image by AI tools. At the same time, the Academy has changed the rules for the International Feature Film category. In the past, each country could only submit one film. Now, a country can submit multiple films if they have won top prizes at major festivals like Cannes, Venice, or Berlin. This change was made because some world-famous films were previously left out by their own national committees. Opinions on these changes are divided. Some filmmakers, such as Shaunak Sen, argue that these new rules allow for a more diverse range of national cinema. However, Meenakshi Shedde from the Toronto International Film Festival suggests that the requirement to win a major festival may still be too difficult. She emphasizes that the main problem is still how national bodies choose which films to send.

Conclusion

The Academy's new rules aim to protect human art while making the international competition more inclusive.

Learning

⚑ The 'B2 Power Shift': Moving from Basic to Precise

At the A2 level, you might say: "The rules changed because people were angry about AI." But a B2 speaker uses Connecting Phrases and Abstract Nouns to explain why things happen.

πŸš€ The Magic of "Regarding" and "Due to"

Look at the text: *"...strict rules regarding human authorship..."

Instead of using "about" (A2), B2 students use regarding or concerning. It sounds more professional and precise.

Try swapping these in your mind:

  • I want to talk about the movie β†’\rightarrow I want to discuss a matter regarding the movie.
  • The rules about AI β†’\rightarrow The regulations concerning AI.

πŸ› οΈ Building Complex Logic with "Due to" & "Follow"

Notice how the article links the 2023 strikes to the new rules:

*"These changes follow the 2023 Hollywood strikes..."

In A2, we use "because." In B2, we show the sequence of events to imply cause.

The B2 Logic Chain:

  1. Event A happens (Strikes) β†’\rightarrow 2. Event B happens as a result (New Rules).

If you want to sound more advanced, stop using "because" for everything. Use:

  • Following [Event], [Result] happened.
  • Due to [Noun], [Result] occurred.

🧩 Vocabulary Upgrade: From 'Simple' to 'Formal'

To bridge the gap to B2, you must replace 'general' words with 'specific' ones found in the text:

A2 Word (Simple)B2 Word (Precise)Context from Text
AllowedEligible...eligibility and nominations.
AgreementConsent...explicit consent is now required.
DifferentDiverse...a more diverse range of cinema.

Pro Tip: Don't just learn the word; learn the pair. We don't just say "consent," we say "explicit consent." That's the secret to B2 fluency.

Vocabulary Learning

Academy
A group of experts who set rules or standards in a particular field.
Example:The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decides which movies win Oscars.
eligibility
The state of being qualified to participate or be considered.
Example:Only films that meet the eligibility criteria can be nominated.
nominations
The act of suggesting someone or something for a prize or honor.
Example:The film received several nominations at the awards ceremony.
generative
Capable of creating something new.
Example:Generative AI can produce original music and text.
authorship
The state of being the author of a work.
Example:The rule requires proof of authorship by a human.
influence
The power to affect the way something happens.
Example:The new rule limits the influence of AI on storytelling.
explicit
Clearly stated or shown.
Example:The contract contains explicit consent from the actor.
consent
Permission or agreement to do something.
Example:The actor gave his consent for the use of his image.
unauthorized
Not allowed or approved.
Example:Using an actor's image without permission is unauthorized.
International
Relating to more than one country.
Example:The International Feature Film category includes movies from around the world.
Feature
A main or prominent part of something.
Example:The film's feature is its stunning cinematography.
diverse
Showing a variety of different things or people.
Example:The festival showcases diverse stories from various cultures.