The Academy Awards are where cinematic history is stitched together with sequins and suspense. From Charlie Chaplin’s overdue recognition to Kathryn Bigelow’s groundbreaking directorial win, and, yes, the unforgettable moment involving Will Smith’s swift palm, the Oscars deliver a spectacle like no other. Here, stars sparkle, some win, some get snubbed, and fashion dares walk the carpet. It is the ultimate gala of glory and gossip. But behind all this grandeur lies one key question: who wins, and how?

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revised its playbook, introducing fresh rules, refined campaign boundaries, and a sparkling new schedule to set the stage for an even more thrilling Oscars season.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has implemented key rule changes. Voters must now view all nominated films in a category to vote in the final round, with verification through the Academy Screening Room or submitted forms for other screenings. Final ballots will list individual nominees. A new Achievement in Casting award has been added, with a Bake-Off process for selection. The Academy also clarified that AI use in filmmaking will not affect a film’s eligibility, focusing on human creativity.

Updated campaign rules include earlier deadlines for music categories: October 15 for original song and November 3 for original score. Best Picture nominees must confirm submission to the Producers Guild of America based on release windows. Animated Short Film voting is now open to all members who opt in and view all shortlisted films. International Feature eligibility now extends to filmmakers with refugee or asylum status. Approved film festivals can now contact voters through designated mailing houses.

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To keep up with these changes, here are the crucial dates you need to mark for the 2026 Oscars.

The 2025 Oscars season will officially kick off in August, with key dates spanning through the live ceremony in March. Notably, the nominations voting period will run from Monday, January 12 through Friday, January 16. The official nominees will be announced on Thursday, January 22, followed by the Oscar Nominees Luncheon on Tuesday, February 10. Final voting will open on Wednesday, February 26, and close on Wednesday, March 5. All rules and dates are subject to change, and the Oscars ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026.

As always, the Oscars will feature its share of unforgettable moments, some of which might turn out to be questionable award moments that were not meant to be. With the calendar of submission deadlines, voting periods, and special events now available, it is clear that the 2025 season will be as unpredictable as ever. Mark these dates and get ready for what promises to be a thrilling and dramatic lead-up to the Oscars ceremony.

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Do you think these changes will reshape the upcoming Oscars seasons? Share your thoughts with us!