Academy Enforces Voting Eligibility Rules for 2026 Oscars

The 2025 awards season is gearing up with key dates and notable hosts announced for major television and film ceremonies. Nate Bargatze will host the 77th annual Emmy Awards, set to air live on CBS on September 14, 2025, bringing his distinct comedic style to the event, which follows a record-breaking 2024 Emmy season dominated by the FX series Shōgun. Meanwhile, the 98th Academy Awards are scheduled for March 15, 2026, hosted by Conan O'Brien, with precursor events like the Critics Choice, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Screen Actors Guild Awards shaping Oscar trajectories. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has implemented new voting rules requiring members to watch all nominated films via their streaming platform to be eligible to vote. The 2024 Oscars highlighted strong competition with Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer winning Best Film and Best Director, emphasizing a blend of technical mastery and philosophical depth. Additionally, the upcoming fall TV season promises a mix of returning favorites and new shows, with some series like Stranger Things concluding their runs.