Entries must now be submitted to the Academy in 35mm or DCP but are no longer required to be exhibited in these formats in the countries of origin. A Separation (pictured) won this year’s Oscar.

The change is one of several covering various categories after the Academy’s board of governors approved proposals by individual branch and category members.

The changes will be effective for the 85th Academy Awards on Feb 24 2013 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Going forward, the executive committee of the music (original song) category may recommend for consideration a fourth songwriter for an individual song, amending the rule that has held 2005 allowing up to two eligible songwriters and a third if he or she was deemed to be “an essentially equal contributor.”

The category formerly known as makeup will now be called makeup and hairstyling. During the nominations process all branch members who have seen the seven shortlisted titles will receive ballots to select their top three choices.

In visual effects nominees will be chosen from a pool of ten films chosen by secret ballot by the branch executive committee. Previously, the committee could put forward as many as ten productions or as few as seven.