Oscars 2026: How are this year’s Academy Awards different? Everything you need to know about the new categories and voting rules

Hollywood’s biggest night returned with glitz, glamour, and notable changes at the 98th Academy Awards, held March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony celebrated the best in cinema while introducing procedural updates and new award categories that set this edition apart from previous years.

According to the BBC website, for the first time, Academy members were required to confirm that they had watched all films nominated in a given category before casting votes. Using the Academy’s members-only Screening Room platform, viewing activity could be tracked, ensuring voters were making informed decisions.

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This marks a major step toward transparency and engagement in the Oscars’ voting process.

Another historic development was the introduction of the Best Casting category, recognizing the crucial work of casting directors in shaping performances and ensemble chemistry.

Casting has long been a behind-the-scenes element of filmmaking, and its inclusion signals the Academy’s commitment to acknowledging all facets of film production. The next new category, Best Stunt Design, is slated for 2028, reflecting a careful, gradual evolution of the awards.


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On the nomination front, Sinners led the field with a record-breaking 16 nods, followed by One Battle After Another with 13, underscoring a year of widely celebrated films.

Beyond awards, the red carpet remained a highlight, with stars like Felicity Jones, Wunmi Mosaku, Emma Stone, and Elle Fanning showcasing bold and timeless fashion statements.

Designers such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy lent the evening both elegance and spectacle, ensuring the pre-show received as much attention as the ceremony itself.