HOLLYWOOD, CA – In a groundbreaking move to reconnect with the viewing public, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) today announced a radical overhaul of its Best Picture selection process, mandating that winning films must have been seen by a minimum of three distinct, non-Academy-member individuals.

The new rule, effective immediately, aims to address persistent whispers that many critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning features are, in fact, rarely watched outside of industry screenings and film school curricula. “We’ve heard the feedback,” stated Academy President Janet Dubois, in a press release that was reportedly read by her assistant and a publicist. “People want to feel like their ‘Best Picture’ isn’t just a glorified tax write-off for a studio’s prestige division.”

Under the new guidelines, studios must submit notarized affidavits from at least three unique, geographically diverse individuals confirming they have viewed the entirety of the nominated film. These viewers must not be related to the cast, crew, or anyone who has ever attended an Oscar after-party.

“It’s a bold step, but a necessary one,” commented veteran film critic Rex Sterling, who admitted he often relies on Wikipedia summaries for films he’s assigned to review. “For too long, the ‘best’ picture has been the one that makes everyone feel smart for *knowing about* it, not for *watching* it.”

Future nominations will also require a brief, handwritten note from each viewer, confirming they remained awake for the duration of the film and can recall at least one character’s name. The Academy hopes this will curb the trend of awarding films primarily admired for their ambition rather than their actual entertainment value.