The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences has amended its rules so that for the first time every voting member will automatically be eligible to vote in all 24 Oscar categories.

Academy president Hawk Koch made the announcement on Saturday [4] following a meeting of members.

In another significant change, governors said that going forward members will be allowed to see documentary, shorts and foreign language nominees either in theatres or on DVD screeners.

Prior to the final round of voting the Academy will provide members with DVDs of the nominated films in five categories: foreign language film, documentary feature, documentary short subject, animated short film, and live action short film. Previously members were only allowed to view submissions for these categories in theatres in order to vote.

The nomination processes for all categories remain unchanged.

“This change continues our efforts to expand our members’ participation in all aspects of the Academy’s activities including, of course, voting for the Oscars,” said Koch.

“Building on this past season’s 90% record voter turnout, we want to give our members as many opportunities as possible to see these great films and vote in these categories next year.”

The 86th Oscars will take place on Mar 2, 2014.