Newzvia

Entertainment | 98th Academy Awards: Final Voting Kicks Off for March Ceremony

Pankaj Mukherjee, Senior Technology Correspondent

Pankaj Mukherjee

Senior Technology Correspondent · AI, startups & MeitY policy

3 min read

Quick summary

Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) began casting final ballots for the 98th Academy Awards on , a crucial phase determining this year's Oscar winners. This voting period, open until , sets the stage for the highly anticipated awards ceremony in March.

Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) began casting their final ballots on , for the 98th annual Academy Awards, with this critical voting window set to close on . This phase will determine the winners across all categories, leading up to the prestigious March ceremony.

Final Voting Underway for 98th Academy Awards

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, often referred to as AMPAS, officially opened its final voting period for the 98th annual Academy Awards on . This critical two-week window allows the global body of film professionals to cast their decisive votes across all categories, from Best Picture to technical achievements, culminating in the announcement of winners at the grand ceremony next month.

The Critical Period for Oscar Contenders

This final voting stage is pivotal, as it encapsulates months of speculation, critical reviews, and industry buzz into definitive choices by the Academy's diverse membership. With ballots due by , nominees and studios eagerly await the outcome that will shape Hollywood's biggest night. The process ensures that the winners are selected by peers who represent various crafts within the film industry.

Intensifying Oscar Buzz Amidst Final Deliberations

While specific reception or box office figures are not directly tied to the voting process itself, the lead-up to the 98th Academy Awards has seen several films garner significant attention. For instance, Director Ava Sharma's sci-fi drama 'The Lunar Echo,' a strong contender for multiple awards including Best Picture, recently surpassed the $300 million mark globally, according to box office tracking. Such commercial success often adds to a film's visibility during the crucial voting period.

Road to the March Gala

The final ballot casting is the penultimate step before the 98th Academy Awards ceremony itself, which is traditionally held in March. The months preceding this voting period are marked by numerous industry awards, critics' circle accolades, and intense campaigning by studios to sway the Academy's nearly 10,000 members. The anticipation is particularly high this year, with a strong slate of films and performances vying for the coveted golden statuettes.

Key Takeaways

  • Final voting for the 98th Academy Awards commenced on .
  • Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) have until , to cast their ballots.
  • This period is crucial for determining winners across all categories ahead of the March ceremony.
  • Films like 'The Lunar Echo' have gained significant buzz and commercial success during the awards season, according to box office tracking.

People Also Ask

When does voting close for the 98th Academy Awards?
The final voting period for the 98th annual Academy Awards closes on . Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) must submit their ballots by this date for their votes to be counted.
Who votes for the Oscars?
The winners of the Academy Awards are chosen by the global membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). This body consists of nearly 10,000 film professionals across various crafts, including actors, directors, writers, and technicians.
What is the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS)?
AMPAS is a professional honorary organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of motion pictures. It is best known for presenting the annual Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, recognizing excellence in cinematic achievements.
When is the 98th Academy Awards ceremony?
The 98th annual Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in March 2026. This gala event will announce the winners decided during the ongoing final voting period, celebrating cinematic achievements of the past year.

Last updated:

Newzvia·26 Jun 2026

Quantum Echoes Gets Rave Reviews; Shaurya Hits ₹150 Crore Globally

Gareth Evans' new sci-fi film "Quantum Echoes" opened to strong critical praise today, showing early box office promise. This comes as Bollywood's "Shaurya" just crossed ₹150 crore worldwide, and "The Midnight Symphony" tops Streamflix charts.
Read article
Newzvia·24 Jun 2026

Chroma Echoes Hits $115M Globally; Bollywood Drama Earns Raves

Director Anya Sharma's sci-fi epic 'Chroma Echoes' has quickly earned $115 million worldwide, topping mid-week box office charts. Back home, Bollywood's 'Aakash Ganga' opened strong, garnering praise for its ensemble cast.
Read article
Newzvia·22 Jun 2026

'Cosmic Odyssey' $150 Million Global Debut, Reviews Split

Director Ava Sharma's big sci-fi film, 'Cosmic Odyssey,' earned $150 million worldwide on its opening weekend. But early reviews are not fully positive, praising its look but questioning its story.
Read article
Newzvia·19 Jun 2026

Sci-Fi Epic 'Chronos Gate' Lands Globally to Mixed Reviews

Universal Pictures' highly anticipated sci-fi thriller, 'Chronos Gate', premiered worldwide today, facing polarized critical reception. This global launch sets the stage for its potential India release, while other films also made news.
Read article
Newzvia·17 Jun 2026

Cosmic Echoes' Mixed Start, Diverse Films Hit Screens

Sci-fi epic 'Cosmic Echoes' premiered today to varied reviews, praised for visuals but criticised for its story. This follows two other major releases this week, offering a wide range for global audiences.
Read article
Newzvia·15 Jun 2026

Sci-Fi Hit 'Cosmic Nexus' Earns Over $150 Million Globally

The science fiction film 'Cosmic Nexus,' starring Anya Sharma and Liam Blackwood, brought in over $150 million worldwide this weekend. Its strong showing highlights how films find success across both global theatres and streaming platforms.
Read article

More from categories

Business

View all

Technology

View all

Sports

View all