98TH OSCARS®: Awards rules and campaign promotional regulations approved

AWARDS RULES AND CAMPAIGN PROMOTIONAL REGULATIONS

APPROVED FOR 98TH OSCARS®

The Academy Announces Key Dates for 2025 Awards Season

Viewing All Nominated Films in Each Respective Category

Now Required in Finals Voting

Rules Codified for the Inaugural Academy Award® for Achievement in Casting

The Academy’s Board of Governors has approved awards rules and campaign promotional regulations for the 98th Academy Awards®. In addition, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced key dates for the 2025 awards season. As previously announced, the 98th Oscars® will air live on ABC on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

In a procedural change, Academy members must now watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round for the Oscars®. All designated nominees will also be included on the final ballot.

Category rules for eligibility and voting for the inaugural Academy Award® for Achievement in Casting have been codified. There will be a preliminary round of voting to determine a shortlist of 10 films, and prior to nominations voting, Casting Directors Branch members will be invited to view a “bake-off” presentation of the shortlisted achievements, including a Q&A with the designated nominees.

Other substantive awards rules changes include:

• In the rules for film eligibility, the following language regarding Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been introduced, as recommended by the Academy’s Science and Technology Council:

"With regard to Generative Artificial Intelligence and other digital tools used in the making of the film, the tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination. The Academy and each branch will judge the achievement, taking into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when choosing which movie to award."

• For consideration in the Best Picture category, films released from January 1, 2025, through June 30, 2025, must have shown proof of submission for Producers Guild of America (PGA) mark certification or awards-only determination no later than September 10, 2025. Films released from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, must have shown proof of submission to the PGA no later than November 13, 2025.

• In the Animated Short Film category, voting privileges in the nominations round will be extended to all Academy members who opt in to participate. Members must view all 15 shortlisted films to be eligible to vote in the category.

• In the Cinematography category, there will now be a preliminary round of voting for the Cinematography award to determine a shortlist of between 10 and 20 films.

• In the International Feature Film category, the eligibility requirement regarding creative control has been updated to be inclusive of filmmakers with refugee or asylum status. The submitting country must confirm that creative control of the film was largely in the hands of citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee or asylum status in the submitting country.

• For the Music categories, there will now be a separate, earlier deadline of Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT for song submissions. Original Score submissions will be due no later than Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT.

Academy key dates, including submission deadlines and voting periods, for the 2025 Oscars season are as follows:

• First submission deadline for Animated Short Film, Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film, and Live Action Short Film categories: Thursday, August 14, 2025

• First submission deadline for General Entry categories, Animated Feature Film, Best Picture, and RAISE form: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

• Submission deadline for International Feature Film: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

• Student Academy Awards: Monday, October 6, 2025

• Final submission deadline for Animated Short Film, Documentary Short Film, and Live Action Short Film categories: Thursday, October 9, 2025

• Submission deadline for Music (Original Song): Wednesday, October 15, 2025

• Final submission deadline for Documentary Feature Film: Thursday, October 16, 2025

• Submission deadline for Music (Original Score): Monday, November 3, 2025

• Final submission deadline for General Entry categories, Animated Feature Film, Best Picture, and RAISE form: Thursday, November 13, 2025

• Governors Awards: Sunday, November 16, 2025

• Preliminary voting begins: Monday, December 8, 2025, at 9 a.m. PT

• Preliminary voting ends: Friday, December 12, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT

• Oscars Shortlists Announcement: Tuesday, December 16, 2025

• Casting, Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, and Visual Effects nominating screenings (bake-offs): Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11, 2026

• Nominations voting begins: Monday, January 12, 2026, at 9 a.m. PT

• Nominations voting ends: Friday, January 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT

• Oscars Nominations Announcement: Thursday, January 22, 2026

• Oscars Nominees Event: Tuesday, February 10, 2026

• Finals voting begins: Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 9 a.m. PT

• Finals voting ends: Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. PT

• 98th Oscars: Sunday, March 15, 2026

• Scientific and Technical Awards: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

The Academy also updated and clarified formatting and language in the campaign promotional regulations for the 98th Oscars®. The campaign promotional regulations 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.

Substantive changes to the campaign promotional regulations include:

• Oscar®-qualifying film festivals may now have access to approved mailing houses to share information about festival programming with Academy members.

• Public communications (including any social media posts, reposts, shares, and comments) may not disparage the techniques used in or subject matter of any motion picture. Any Academy member, motion picture company, or individual directly associated with an eligible motion picture found to be in violation will be subject to penalization.

All rules and dates for the 98th Academy Awards are subject to change.

For the complete 98th Academy Awards rules and campaign promotional regulations, visit: oscars.org/rules

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Superman Day 2025: The Global Impact of Superman

April 18, 2025 marks a global celebration for fans of the world’s first superhero—Superman. On this day, we honor the debut of the Man of Steel in Action Comics #1 on April 18, 1938, and reflect on his enduring influence across comics, movies, television, and pop culture. As Superman Day unfolds, it’s also a moment to look forward to the next cinematic chapter with James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman film, set to redefine the hero for a new generation.

The Birth of Superman: A Global Icon Emerges

Superman was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, launching a new era in pop culture with his first appearance in 19382. The character’s origin—an infant from Krypton adopted by the Kents in Smallville—struck a chord with readers seeking hope during turbulent times. Superman’s blue suit, red cape, and iconic S-shield quickly became emblems of strength, optimism, and the enduring belief that anyone can make a difference.

Clark Kent: The Heart Behind the Hero

Clark Kent is not just a secret identity but a vital part of Superman’s legacy. As a mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet, Clark embodies humility, empathy, and the everyday struggles of humanity. His “code-switching”—from awkward, gentle journalist to confident, powerful hero—has been a cornerstone of Superman’s relatability and appeal for generations.

Christopher Reeve’s portrayal in the 1978 film remains iconic, perfectly capturing the contrast between Clark’s gentle demeanor and Superman’s inspiring heroism. This duality is central to the character, with director James Gunn emphasizing in the upcoming film that “it’s not just Clark. It’s not just Superman. It’s Clark/Superman,” underscoring that both identities are essential to understanding the Man of Steel.

Superman and Clark Kent in TV and Film: Shaping Generations

Superman’s adaptations have continually redefined the superhero genre and influenced pop culture worldwide:

• Classic Films: The 1978 "Superman" movie, starring Christopher Reeve, made audiences “believe a man can fly” and set the standard for superhero cinema. Its impact is still felt today, with its blend of wonder, heroism, and humanity.

• Modern Movies: "Superman Returns" (2006) starring Brandon Routh, "Man of Steel" (2013) starring Henry Cavill, introduced a new generation to Superman’s struggles with identity and responsibility. Now, James Gunn’s "Superman: Legacy" (2025) starring David Corenswet will explore Clark’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing, drawing inspiration from legendary comics like All-Star Superman and Superman: Birthright.

• Television: From "Adventures of Superman" (1950s), starring George Reeves, "Lois & Clark" (1990s) starring Dean Cain to "Smallville" (2001–2011) starring Tom Welling, and "Superman & Lois" (2021–2024) starring Tyler Hoechlin, TV adaptations have explored every facet of Clark’s life—from his formative years in Smallville to his role as a husband and father. Animated series like Superman: The Animated Series and My Adventures with Superman continue to introduce the character to new audiences.

Superman’s Global and Cultural Impact

Superman’s influence extends far beyond comics and screens:

• A Symbol of Hope: Created by the children of immigrants, Superman’s story is a powerful metaphor for the immigrant experience and the universal search for belonging and acceptance.

• Champion of Justice: Through comics, radio, TV, and film, Superman has tackled issues from social injustice to global crises, always standing for “Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow”.

• International Legacy: In 2025, DC Comics is releasing Superman: The World, an anthology featuring stories from creators in ten countries, showcasing how Superman’s ideals resonate across diverse cultures. This global tribute highlights his status as a universal symbol of heroism and hope.

What’s Next: The Future of Superman

The excitement for Superman’s next chapter is palpable:

• Superman (2025 Film): Directed and written by James Gunn, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, the film will premiere in the U.S. on July 11, 2025, and internationally starting July 9. The story promises to honor Superman’s core values while introducing fresh perspectives and a dynamic supporting cast.

• Global Celebrations: Superman Day 2025 features worldwide events, exclusive merchandise, and special previews, uniting fans in celebration of the Man of Steel’s enduring legacy.

• New Comics: Superman: The World (July 16, 2025) will offer new, culturally-rooted stories, reinforcing Superman’s relevance in every corner of the globe.

Why the World Still Needs Superman

Superman and Clark Kent continue to inspire hope, courage, and compassion in a divided world. Their story—of embracing both extraordinary power and ordinary humanity—reminds us that anyone can be a hero. As we celebrate Superman Day 2025 and look forward to the next era of the Man of Steel, one truth remains: the world will always need Superman.

Happy Superman Day! Up, up, and away!

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