The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 534 distinguished artists, technologists, and professionals to join in 2025, recognizing their significant contributions to the film industry.
The Academy has invited 534 new members for 2025, with a focus on increasing diversity, including women, underrepresented communities, and international members, potentially reshaping its demographic makeup.
Sony Group Corporation announced the launch of an academy aimed at nurturing anime creators for global markets, with collaboration from Aniplex and Crunchyroll.
The Academy Awards' acceptance speeches are a significant part of the ceremony, with winners often struggling to thank everyone in their limited time. The academy itself tops the list of most mentioned entities, followed by spouses, mothers, and God. While wives have been thanked the most, husbands and fathers have received fewer mentions. Hollywood agents and Steven Spielberg have also made their way into speeches, with the director being mentioned 46 times.
The Oscars will introduce a new category for best achievement in casting at the 2026 ceremony, marking the Academy's first new competitive award in over 20 years. This decision follows a long-standing effort by casting directors to be recognized at the prestigious event, with the Casting Directors Branch welcoming the news as a well-deserved acknowledgment. The addition of the casting Oscar will bring the total number of awards handed out to 24, and it comes after previous introductions such as the best animated feature film category in 2001.
The Oscars will introduce a new competitive category for best achievement in casting, starting at the 98th annual ceremony in 2026, marking the first new category since 2001. The decision recognizes the essential role of casting directors in filmmaking and follows a long-standing push for their recognition. This move reflects the Academy's commitment to evolving and celebrating various disciplines within the film industry.
The 17th Annual Awards Daily Oscar Project has released its simulated Oscar nomination results, providing insights into the preferential voting system and how the taste and preferences of AD voters differ from Academy members. The shifting rankings among the top contenders, particularly in the Best Picture category, reveal the impact of the surplus rule and redistribution of votes in subsequent rounds. Despite close competition, some films saw limited support during the process, leading to changes in their rankings. The project aims to provide a visual learning tool and appreciation is extended to Dr. Rob for organizing the massive annual project.
A glitch in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet has caused the entire academy in the game to transform in a creepy way, with the school turning invisible except for windows, doors, and some fixtures. The glitch, which is not uncommon in the game, has left the school's interior looking barren. The cause of the glitch is unknown, but it serves as a reminder of the Pokemon series' history of strange glitches.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has been with Chelsea since the age of 8, has signed a four-year deal with AC Milan for £15m plus add-ons. Loftus-Cheek, who made 155 first-team appearances for Chelsea, leaves after nearly two decades at the club and will join fellow Academy graduate Fikayo Tomori at Milan. Despite injuries and setbacks, Loftus-Cheek showed promise and potential during the 2018-19 season, and Chelsea fans wish him the best in his new venture.
Richard Dreyfuss criticized the Academy's inclusion rules, calling them "patronizing" and stating that no one should be telling artists what morality is. He also suggested that approaches like blackface should not be off-limits for actors. The new rules aim to increase diversity and representation in film.
The Academy has announced new rule changes for the Oscars, including punishments for violations related to screenings, campaigns, and social media. The changes come after controversies involving Andrea Riseborough and Michelle Yeoh. The Academy has narrowed guidelines on in-person screenings and individual behavior, and will not permit members to state voting decisions or preferences on social media. Violators of the rules may face corrective actions or penalties, including disqualification of a motion picture, rescinding an Oscar nomination, and possible expulsion from the Academy. ABC will broadcast the 2024 Oscars on March 10.