Wikimedia Commons/98th Academy Awards Movie Oscar voting begins with new rules: Best Casting category, individual credits listed, and a mandatory viewing confirmation for voters. March 12, 2026 AceShowbiz - The final stage of voting for the Academy Awards has officially started, with the Academy's members casting ballots through next week. This year's ballot features several notable changes and a competitive field across most categories. One major addition is the new Oscar category for Best Casting, which raises the total number of awards.