Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences updates Oscar eligibility rules

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced rule changes for the 99th Academy Awards regarding the International Feature Film category. Under the new regulations, non-English language films no longer strictly require a specific country of origin to be eligible.

While countries and territories can still submit entries through Academy-approved committees, non-English films can now qualify by winning major awards at designated international film festivals. These qualifying festivals include Berlin (Golden Bear), Busan (Busan Film Award), Cannes (Palme d'Or), Sundance (Grand Jury Prize), Toronto (Platform Prize), and Venice (Golden Lion).

The decision follows debates regarding eligibility, such as the 2023 Palme d'Or winner ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ being ineligible because it was not submitted by France. The deadline for entries for the 99th Oscars is September 30, with the 15 nominees to be announced on December 15 and the final five announced on January 21, 2027.