CAMPAIGN PROMOTIONAL REGULATIONS AND AWARDS RULES
APPROVED FOR 96TH OSCARS®

Academy’s Board of Governors has approved campaign promotional regulations and awards rules for the 96th Academy Awards®.

The campaign promotional regulations, which specify how motion picture companies and individuals directly associated with Oscars®-eligible motion pictures may promote such motion pictures, achievements and performances to Academy members and how Academy members may promote Oscars-eligible motion pictures, achievements and performances, underwent the most significant overhaul since their inception in 1994. 

Substantive updates and changes of note include:

• Clarification of rules regarding private events and gatherings.
• Clarification of rules regarding general and direct communications to Academy members.
• Clarification of rules regarding public communications, including on social media.
• Clarification of rules for “For Your Consideration” screenings, Q&A sessions and panel discussions.
• Expanded language on regulation violations and penalties, including the process for reporting and reviewing a violation.

The Board of Governors also approved rule changes for the 96th Oscars, including establishing two submission deadlines for General Entry categories. A feature film must have a qualifying theatrical release date between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023. Submission deadlines are September 15, 2023(for films released January 1 to June 30) and November 15, 2023 (for films released July 1 to December 31). Several other film categories will also have two submission deadlines based on the date of qualification.

In the Best Picture category, Inclusion Standards requirements will take effect for the 96th Oscars. Eligibility will be contingent upon submission of the Representation and Inclusion Entry Form (RAISE) and the motion picture meeting the requirements of two of the four Inclusion Standards. The Inclusion Standards were approved by the Academy’s Board of Governors in 2020.

Other awards rules changes include:

• The International Feature Film category rules now stipulate that selection committees must be comprised of at least 50% filmmakers (artists and/or craftspeople).
• In the Live Action Short Film category, voting privileges will be extended to all Academy members who opt in to participate.

Submission deadlines and additional key dates are as follows:

Tuesday, August 15, 2023: First submission deadline for Animated Short Film, Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film and Live Action Short Film categories

Friday, September 15, 2023: First submission deadline for Animated Feature Film and General Entry categories

Monday, October 2, 2023: Final submission deadline for Documentary Feature Film and International Feature Film categories

Monday, October 16, 2023: Final submission deadline for Animated Short Film, Documentary Short Film and Live Action Short Film categories

Wednesday, November 1, 2023: Final submission deadline for Music (Original Score) and Music (Original Song) categories

Wednesday, November 15, 2023: Final submission deadline for Animated Feature Film and General Entry categories

Saturday, January 13, 2024: Visual Effects nominating screening (bake-off)

Sunday, January 14, 2024: Makeup and Hairstyling nominating screening and Sound nominating screening (bake-offs)