New Rules for Oscar Campaigning

The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences set some new rules concerning campaigning today; you can read their full press release after the jump. Among the big ones:  Academy members can now be invited to screening events prior to the Oscar nominations being announced. In the past, they couldn't be invited to screening events with Q&As or receptions at all. This is why studios hold so many "guild" screenings, under the guise of really going after Academy members. It's a pretty huge restriction to be lifting.

Also, take a close look at Rule 16:

16. References to Other Nominees.

Ads, mailings, websites, social media (e.g., Facebook and Twitter) or any other forms of public communication by anyone directly associated with an eligible film attempting to promote a particular film or achievement by casting a negative or derogatory light on a competing film or achievement will not be tolerated. In particular, any tactic that singles out "the competition" by name or title is expressly forbidden. Academy members that violate this Rule 16 will be subject to a one-year suspension of membership for first-time violations, and expulsion for any subsequent violations.

Remember the producer of "The Hurt Locker" who was banned from the Oscars for sending that e-mail urging people to rank "Avatar" lowest and "Hurt Locker" highest? That now extends to such social media platforms as Twitter and Facebook, so members need to think twice before Tweeting. Actually, that's good advice in any situation.

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