99th Academy Awards: Key Dates, Host, and Major Rule Changes
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has officially set the stage for the 99th edition of the Oscars. With a blend of returning talent and significant structural updates to eligibility, the upcoming ceremony aims to evolve alongside the modern cinematic landscape.
Ceremony Leadership and Hosting
On April 7, 2026, AMPAS announced the official date and key milestones for the 99th ceremony. Following this, on May 12, 2026, the Academy confirmed that Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will return as executive producers for their fourth consecutive year. Their partnership has been praised by AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer and president Lynette Howell Taylor for producing captivating and heartfelt celebrations of the global film community.
Adding to the continuity of the event, Conan O'Brien has been tapped to return as the host for the third year in a row, bringing his signature brilliance and humor to the podium.
Key Facts
- Host: Conan O'Brien (3rd consecutive year).
- Executive Producers: Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan (4th consecutive year).
- AI Policy: Generative AI is explicitly prohibited in acting and writing categories.
- International Expansion: Top jury awards from major festivals now grant eligibility for Best International Feature Film.
- Acting Nominations: Actors can now hold multiple nominations in a single category for different films.
Major Rule and Eligibility Updates
On May 1, 2026, the Academy introduced several pivotal rule changes designed to increase fairness and adapt to technological shifts.
Expanding Best International Feature Film Eligibility
To prevent politically motivated snubs or the omission of high-profile films—citing examples like Anatomy of a Fall—the Academy has expanded how films qualify for the Best International Feature Film category. In addition to traditional submissions by individual countries, non-English-language films that win top jury awards at the following festivals are now eligible:
- Berlin: Golden Bear
- Busan: Best Film Award
- Cannes: Palme d'Or
- Sundance: World Cinema Grand Jury Prize
- Toronto: Platform Prize
- Venice: Golden Lion
Under these new rules, the films themselves will be formally credited as the recipients. While the director will accept the award for the creative team, the submitting country will still receive a statuette and inscription if the film was a national submission.
Acting and Writing Nominations
The Academy has updated its nomination process for actors. Previously, an actor could only receive one nomination per acting category, even if they had multiple eligible roles. Now, mirroring the rules for Best Director, an individual actor may hold multiple nominations in a single category for performances in different films.
Restrictions on Generative Artificial Intelligence
In response to the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI capable of creating new content), the Academy has implemented strict prohibitions in the acting and writing categories. Writing eligibility is now restricted exclusively to works of human authorship. For acting categories, roles must be held by a billed cast member and must be "demonstrably performed by humans with their consent."
Summary of 99th Academy Awards Changes
| Category | Previous Rule/Status | New Rule/Status |
|---|---|---|
| International Feature | Country submissions only | Country submissions + Major Festival Jury wins |
| Acting Nominations | One nomination per category | Multiple nominations possible for different films |
| AI Usage | Not explicitly prohibited | Prohibited in acting and writing categories |
| Host | Conan O'Brien (Year 2) | Conan O'Brien (Year 3) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will host the 99th Academy Awards?
Conan O'Brien will return as the host for the third consecutive year.
How has the eligibility for Best International Feature Film changed?
Films can now qualify by winning top jury awards at festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Sundance, Toronto, and Busan, rather than relying solely on national committee submissions.
Can an actor be nominated twice in the same category?
Yes. Actors are now permitted to hold multiple nominations in a single acting category if they have delivered eligible performances in different films.
What is the Academy's stance on AI in films?
The Academy explicitly prohibits the use of generative AI in writing and acting categories, requiring human authorship for scripts and human performance for acting roles.
Who are the executive producers for the 99th ceremony?
Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will serve as executive producers for the fourth year in a row.