The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has approved the rules and campaign regulations for the 99th edition of the Academy Awards, which will be held on 15 March 2027, introducing a key change that directly impacts the International Feature Film category. While the traditional system of country-based submissions remains in place, non-English-language films may now also qualify by winning top prizes at a select group of major international festivals.

Under the revised rules, films awarded the top distinction at key events – including the Berlin International Film Festival (Golden Bear for Best Film), Busan International Film Festival (Busan Award - Best Film Award), Cannes Film Festival (Palme d’Or), Sundance Film Festival (World Cinema Grand Jury Prize), Toronto International Film Festival (Platform Award) and Venice International Film Festival (Golden Lion) – will now be eligible for consideration without the need for official national selection. This move is expected to reshape the competitive landscape, particularly for European producers navigating increasingly international co-production frameworks.

The change signals a shift away from the long-standing model in which each country submits a single film, often the result of complex internal selection processes. By allowing festival recognition to serve as an alternative qualifying route, the Academy is effectively acknowledging the growing role of global festivals as arbiters of cinematic excellence and visibility.

In parallel, the Academy has also revised how the award is attributed. Instead of being formally credited to a country, the International Feature Film nomination will now be assigned to the film itself, with the director accepting the award on behalf of the creative team. The director’s name will appear on the statuette alongside the film title, marking a symbolic move towards recognising authorship over national representation.

The implications are likely to be felt across the international awards landscape. Films that gain early momentum on the festival circuit may now enter the Oscars race without relying on national endorsement, while major festival awards acquire an additional layer of strategic importance.

The eligibility window for the 99th Oscars remains unchanged, covering films released theatrically between 1 January and 31 December 2026, with the submission deadline for the International Feature Film category set for 30 September.

Beyond the international category, the Academy has also introduced clarifications regarding human authorship in writing categories and the use of generative artificial intelligence, reinforcing its position on creative accountability.