New limits for the Oscar race

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a new regulation Wednesday taking aim at filmmakers it perceived to be “cheerleaders” for nominated films during the Oscar race.

The new measure prohibits academy members who are not “directly connected” with a nominated film from hosting screenings of the film for fellow academy members -- a frequently utilized award season campaign tactic.

The regulation was enacted after the academy’s board of governors grew worried that prominent members’ invitation-only screenings would compromise the impartiality of the voting process.

“There is a jury at work here and their work needs to be done behind the scenes and not in a public cheerleading way,” said Ric Robertson, the academy’s executive administrator. “Members need to restrain themselves during awards season from advocating on behalf of contending films.”

Violations could result in a film losing eligibility for award consideration.