The Oscars, one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in the film industry, has a complex nomination and voting process that shapes the annual celebration of cinematic excellence. Known formally as the Academy Awards, this event is orchestrated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which has been honouring films since its inception in 1929. The nomination process for the upcoming Oscars involves a series of careful evaluations to determine which films will contend for the coveted statuettes.
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Each year, over 20 categories are considered for the awards, with the process beginning long before the ceremony itself. In the months leading up to the event, members of the Academy partake in a multifaceted voting schedule. The shortlists for nominations emerge typically in December, followed by the official announcement of nominees, which occurs in January. For the 98th Academy Awards, this crucial phase began with preliminary voting in November 2025, with nominees revealed on January 22. Final voting will take place from February 26 to March 5, culminating in the ceremony on March 15.
Films eligible for Oscar nominations must fulfil a basic criterion set out in the Academy’s official rulebook. To qualify, a film must have a minimum theatrical run of seven days in at least one qualifying U.S. city between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year, and should exceed 40 minutes in length. Notably, films released directly to platforms like television or streaming services are not eligible for nominations.
The process of selecting nominations involves several rounds of discovery and voting. Following the submission deadline, the Academy holds a preliminary vote in December, from which a shortlist of films is compiled. In January, members participate in a four-day voting period to determine the nominees, which are then publicly announced. While the majority of categories feature five nominees, the Best Picture category can accommodate up to ten films, reflecting the broad choice available to voters.
The voting rights during the nomination phase are limited to members of specific branches within the Academy. With 20 distinct branches representing various disciplines—such as actors, directors, writers, and producers—members can predominantly vote only in their respective categories. However, when it comes to final voting for Oscar winners, all Academy members have the opportunity to cast their votes across all categories.
The requirements for voters to engage with films have recently evolved. For categories like Best Animated Short Film, Best International Feature Film, and Best Live Action Short Film, participants are now mandated to watch all potential nominees in a shortlist before casting their votes. A new rule introduced in April 2025 stipulates that all nominees in any category must be viewed by members wishing to vote in the final round. The 98th Academy Awards will be the first ceremony to enforce this requirement fully.
Notable Academy members, including actress Kirsten Dunst, have expressed their dedication to viewing all the films eligible for the awards. Dunst has been vocal about her commitment, emphasising her involvement as a member of the Academy and the personal initiative to engage with all nominated works. Such commitment exemplifies the diligence with which Academy members approach the voting process.
As anticipation builds for the 98th Academy Awards, fans and industry insiders alike are preparing for the ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026. Conan O’Brien will once again assume the role of host, and the event will be broadcast live on ABC, with streaming options available on Hulu. The Oscars continue to be a significant occasion for both Hollywood and film enthusiasts worldwide, highlighting artistic accomplishments and contributions to the cinematic world.
With new award categories expected to debut in future ceremonies—such as Achievement in Casting in 2026 and Achievement in Stunt Design in 2027—Oscar voting remains a dynamic and evolving process. As members carry out this extensive and detail-oriented task, the quest for recognising excellence in film remains a hallmark of the Academy Awards, reinforcing the importance of cinematic storytelling in contemporary culture.