Each year the Academy’s Board of Governors gather to implement new rules for the upcoming Academy Awards and earlier today they approved campaign promotional regulations and awards rules which will go into effect for the 96th Academy Awards.
Following the situation with “To Leslie” last year, which resulted in Andrea Riseborough netting a Best Actress nomination, the Academy took a long look at campaign promotional regulations, which specify how motion picture companies and individuals directly associated with Oscars-eligible motion pictures may promote such motion pictures, achievements and performances to Academy members and how Academy members may promote Oscars-eligible motion pictures, achievements, and performances. It underwent the most significant overhaul since its inception in 1994.
Substantive updates and changes of note include:
- Clarification of rules regarding private events and gatherings.
- Clarification of rules regarding general and direct communications to Academy members.
- Clarification of rules regarding public communications, including on social media.
- Clarification of rules for “For Your Consideration” screenings, Q&A sessions and panel discussions.
- Expanded language on regulation violations and penalties, including the process for reporting and reviewing a violation.
The Board of Governors also approved rule changes for the 96th Oscars, including establishing two submission deadlines for General Entry categories. A feature film must have a qualifying theatrical release date between January 1st, 2023, and December 31st, 2023. Submission deadlines are September 15th, 2023 (for films released January 1st to June 30th) and November 15th, 2023 (for films released July 1st to December 31st). Several other film categories will also have two submission deadlines based on the date of qualification.
In the Best Picture category, Inclusion Standards requirements will take effect for the 96th Oscars. Eligibility will be contingent upon submission of the Representation and Inclusion Entry Form (RAISE) and the motion picture meeting the requirements of two of the four Inclusion Standards. The Inclusion Standards were approved by the Academy’s Board of Governors in 2020.
Other awards rules changes include:
- The International Feature Film category rules now stipulate that selection committees must be comprised of at least 50% filmmakers (artists and/or craftspeople).
- In the Live Action Short Film category, voting privileges will be extended to all Academy members who opt in to participate.
Submission deadlines and additional key dates are as follows:
Tuesday, August 15, 2023: First submission deadline for Animated Short Film, Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film and Live Action Short Film categories
Friday, September 15, 2023: First submission deadline for Animated Feature Film and General Entry categories
Monday, October 2, 2023: Final submission deadline for Documentary Feature Film and International Feature Film categories
Monday, October 16, 2023: Final submission deadline for Animated Short Film, Documentary Short Film and Live Action Short Film categories
Wednesday, November 1, 2023: Final submission deadline for Music (Original Score) and Music (Original Song) categories
Wednesday, November 15, 2023: Final submission deadline for Animated Feature Film and General Entry categories
Saturday, January 13, 2024: Visual Effects nominating screening (bake-off)
Sunday, January 14, 2024: Makeup and Hairstyling nominating screening and Sound nominating screening (bake-offs)
For the complete 96th Academy Awards rules and campaign promotional regulations, visit here. For information on the Inclusion Standards, visit here.
What do you think about these new rules for campaigning following what happened with “To Leslie” last year? What do you think of the other news and how do you think this will impact this year’s Oscars? Will we see a decrease in Anonymous Oscar ballots as a result of these changes? Please let us know in the comments section below or over on our Twitter account.
