How Do Oscar Nominations Really Work? Inside the Selection Process

Every year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences faces the daunting task of narrowing hundreds of eligible films down to a select group of Oscar nominees. Since its founding in 1929, the Oscars have evolved into Hollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremony, with a nomination process that is both rigorous and highly scrutinized.

Eligibility Rules

To qualify, films must run for at least seven consecutive days in a U.S. theater between January 1 and December 31 of the given year. They must also exceed 40 minutes in length unless otherwise specified. Movies released solely on television or streaming platforms without a theatrical run are not eligible.

The Voting Process

The nomination journey begins with preliminary voting in December. Shortlists are announced for select categories, such as Best International Feature and Best Documentary. In January, Academy members cast secret online ballots during a four-day voting window. The results are revealed live, setting the stage for the ceremony.

Number of Nominees

Most categories feature five nominees, but Best Picture can include up to 10 films. The Academy continues to expand its recognition of filmmaking disciplines. In 2026, Achievement in Casting will debut, followed by Achievement in Stunt Design in 2027.

Who Votes?

The Academy is divided into 20 branches, representing professions like acting, directing, writing, and editing. Members nominate films only within their field, except for Best Picture, Best Animated Short, and Best International Feature, which are open to all. However, when it comes to final voting for winners, every member can vote across all categories.

Do Voters Watch Every Film?

Historically, voters were not required to watch every film. But in April 2025, the Academy introduced a new rule: members must view all nominated films in a category before casting a final vote. This ensures fairness and informed decision-making. The 98th Academy Awards in 2026 will be the first ceremony under this requirement.

The 2026 Oscars

The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026. Conan O’Brien will return as host, with the ceremony broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu. With new rules in place, this year’s Oscars promise to be one of the most closely watched in recent history.