Oscars Unveil Major Overhaul: International Films Freed from Country Submissions, Acting Nomination Rules Also Changed

The Academy's sweeping reforms, set to take effect with the 99th Oscars in 2027, signal a seismic shift in the prestigious awards' landscape. Taiwan's Liberty Times, a prominent voice in Taiwanese media, views these changes with keen interest, particularly the overhaul of the Best International Feature Film category. The previous requirement for official country submissions often led to political maneuvering and the exclusion of deserving films, a point underscored by past controversies involving French and Iranian cinema.

By allowing films that have won top honors at major international festivals—such as the Palme d'Or at Cannes or the Golden Lion at Venice—to bypass official national selection, the Academy appears to be dismantling barriers and opening the door to a wider array of cinematic talent. This move is seen as a significant step towards recognizing cinematic merit over nationalistic considerations. Furthermore, the decision to engrave directors' names on the statuettes for this category transforms it from a national honor to a personal tribute, reflecting a deeper appreciation for the individual artist's vision.

The adjustments to acting categories, permitting dual nominations for a single actor, address a long-standing quirk in the Academy's rules that sometimes led to vote-splitting and the exclusion of strong performances. This change acknowledges the complexities of modern filmmaking and acting, where a single performer might deliver multiple standout roles in a single year. The Academy's stance on Artificial Intelligence, deeming AI-generated screenplays ineligible for awards, also reflects a commitment to preserving the essence of human creativity in filmmaking, a sentiment likely to resonate with artists and audiences alike.