The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been quietly reshaping the way Oscar voters watch nominated films, and the changes are bigger than they first appear.
For decades, theatrical screenings and private industry showings were a major part of awards season. Studios hosted special screenings, Q&A events, and in-person viewings designed to help Academy members experience films on the big screen. But in recent years, the voting process has moved steadily toward digital platforms and verified viewing systems, fundamentally changing how films are consumed during awards season.
One of the most significant rule changes now in place requires Academy voters to confirm that they have actually watched all nominated films in a category before they are allowed to cast their final votes. Ballots only unlock once viewing has been verified, either through the Academy’s internal screening portal or official attendance records.
This move signals a broader transition away from traditional screening culture toward centralized digital viewing. Many members already rely heavily on secure online screening rooms rather than attending physical screenings, especially as the industry continues to adapt to post-pandemic viewing habits and the global nature of the Academy’s membership.
The change is meant to improve credibility and fairness in voting. For years, critics argued that some voters cast ballots without seeing every nominee, which could skew results and disadvantage smaller films or international titles. The new verification requirement is intended to ensure that every nominee is judged on equal footing.
The shift also reflects a larger transformation in how the film industry itself operates. Streaming platforms now dominate awards campaigns, and many films premiere digitally or reach voters through secure screeners rather than traditional theatrical runs. Even eligibility rules have evolved over time to accommodate films released via streaming, provided certain requirements are met.
At the same time, the Academy continues to update voting procedures and enforcement measures, including stricter verification policies beginning with the upcoming ceremony cycle.
For filmmakers and studios, these changes alter the entire awards-season strategy. Campaigns that once depended on lavish screening events and in-person networking now increasingly focus on digital accessibility, targeted outreach, and online engagement with voters.
For audiences, the change may not be visible on the surface, but behind the scenes it marks the end of an era. The Oscar race is no longer driven primarily by the glamour of private screenings and industry theaters. It is now shaped by digital platforms, verified viewing, and a more structured voting process.
And while the Academy insists these reforms are about fairness and credibility, they also raise new questions. Does watching films at home change how voters respond to them? Does the loss of the theatrical experience affect how performances, cinematography, and sound are judged?
Awards season has always evolved with the industry. Now, as the line between theatrical cinema and digital viewing continues to blur, the Oscars themselves are evolving too.