An Oscar statue is seen ahead of the 98th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on March 14, 2026. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced several significant rule changes for the 99th Oscars, including AI protections for actors and writers as well as expanded eligibility for international films. In a statement to NPR, the Academy on Saturday said the changes are in response to listening to the global filmmaking community and addressing barriers to entry in its eligibility process. The Academy added that its rules and eligibility standards have always evolved alongside technologies such as sound, color, and CGI, and that AI is no different. Awards rules and guidelines are reviewed and refined each year.…