The 98th Academy Awards: 5 Major Rule Changes And Shocking Early Predictions For The 2026 Oscars

The conversation surrounding "The Oscars" has never been more intense, and as of December 15, 2025, the film world is buzzing with fresh details and dramatic changes ahead of the 98th Academy Awards. This year's ceremony, which is officially scheduled for early 2026, promises to be one of the most scrutinized in recent memory, driven by a series of significant rule overhauls and a highly competitive field of contenders already emerging from the festival circuit. The event, often mistakenly searched for as "the owcars," remains the zenith of film industry recognition, presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). With a returning host and a new voting mandate designed to ensure a more informed electorate, the upcoming gala is set to redefine what it means to win the coveted gold-plated statuette.

The 98th Academy Awards: Key Dates and Confirmed Host

The Academy has officially set the stage for the 98th Academy Awards, honoring the outstanding film achievements of 2025. The announcement confirms a pivotal return and a clear timeline for the industry’s most prestigious night.

Official Ceremony Date and Location

The 98th Oscars ceremony is scheduled to air live on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The event will take place at its traditional home, the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, in Los Angeles, California.

Conan O’Brien Returns to Host

In a move that has generated considerable excitement, veteran comedian and late-night talk show host Conan O’Brien is set to return as the host of the 98th Academy Awards. This marks his second consecutive year leading the charge, following a well-received performance that blended his signature wit with the gravitas of the awards show.

Key Dates for the 2026 Awards Season

• Nominations Voting Begins: January 2026.
• Governors Awards: The annual non-competitive ceremony, which honors lifetime achievement in film, will precede the main event.
• Bake-Off Screenings: Nominating screenings for categories like Casting, Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, and Visual Effects are scheduled for early January 2026.

The 5 Major Academy Rule Changes Redefining the Oscars

The Academy has been proactive in addressing past controversies and modernizing its voting process, leading to several monumental rule changes that will take effect for the 98th Academy Awards. These updates are designed to increase fairness, transparency, and the integrity of the voting body.

1. Mandatory Viewing of All Nominated Films

Perhaps the most significant change is the new mandate requiring all Academy members to confirm they have watched every single nominated film in a competitive category before casting their final vote. This new rule, which many are shocked wasn't already in place, directly addresses long-standing concerns about voters casting ballots based on reputation or studio campaigning rather than viewing the work itself.

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2. Stricter Social Media and Campaign Regulations

Following the highly publicized social media 'controversy' surrounding a previous nominee, the Academy has revised its promotional regulations. The goal is to bring clarity, fairness, and transparency to how motion picture companies and individuals can campaign. This includes new limits on Academy governors' involvement in lobbying, expressly forbidding them from hosting or participating in private, nominee-focused events.

3. Enhanced Inclusion Standards

While implemented in phases over recent years, the full scope of the Academy’s Representation and Inclusion Standards will be more visibly enforced. These standards require a certain level of representation in front of or behind the camera for a film to be eligible for the Best Picture award, reinforcing the Academy's commitment to diversity within the film industry.

4. Changes to Campaigning for Craft Categories

The Academy has continued to fine-tune campaigning rules, particularly for the 'craft' categories (like Sound, Cinematography, and Editing). The focus is shifting away from lavish promotional events toward a merit-based evaluation, ensuring the technical achievements are judged purely on their artistic and technical merit.

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5. Increased Transparency in Voting Procedures

While the actual ballots remain secret, the Academy has committed to providing more transparent communication regarding the nomination and final voting processes. This move is aimed at combating skepticism and ensuring the public and industry stakeholders understand the mechanisms that lead to a nomination and a win.

Early 2026 Oscar Predictions: The Best Picture Frontrunners

With the eligibility window closing and many major films of 2025 having premiered at fall film festivals, the race for Best Picture at the 98th Academy Awards is already heating up. The current buzz focuses on several highly anticipated releases, with a few films establishing themselves as early frontrunners.

The Top Contenders for Best Picture

The early predictions from major awards publications point to a diverse field of contenders, suggesting a competitive and unpredictable race.

• One Battle After Another (Warner Bros): This film is currently seen by many as a major powerhouse, with a significant push already underway. The movie is also predicted to garner nominations in key categories like Best Director.
• Sinners (Warner Bros): A strong contender that has been steadily rising in the prediction charts, indicating strong critical reception.
• Wicked: For Good: The second part of the musical adaptation is gaining serious momentum, with analysts predicting it could be a major player across multiple categories, including acting and technical awards.
• Hamnet (Focus Features): While having a strong initial showing, this film has seen a slight dip in recent predictions but remains a serious threat in the Best Picture race.
• It Was Just an Accident (NEON): This independent film has emerged as a dark horse, showing up consistently in the top five predictions for Best Picture and Original Screenplay.
• Marty Supreme (A24): This A24 production is showing strength, particularly in the screenplay categories, signaling a strong narrative core.

Predictions in Screenplay Categories

The race for the writing awards is equally fierce, often serving as a strong indicator for overall Best Picture success. In the Original Screenplay category, titles like It Was Just an Accident and Marty Supreme are highly favored. For Adapted Screenplay, the competition is tight, with several literary adaptations making a strong case for nomination.

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The 98th Academy Awards will undoubtedly be a historic event. Between the exciting return of Conan O'Brien and the groundbreaking new rule mandating that voters watch all nominated films, the film world is on notice. As the nomination voting begins in January 2026, the industry will be watching closely to see if these changes usher in a new era of meritocracy for the world's most talked-about film awards.