USA TODAY is handing the remote to the fans. On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the company launched its second annual Movie Meter program. This interactive initiative allows registered panelists to rate all 10 films currently nominated for Best Picture at the 98th Academy Awards.

The voting window is short and sweet. Fans have until March 15, 2026, to submit their scores on a scale of one to five. According to USA TODAY Co., the program aims to bridge the gap between critical acclaim and audience preference during the height of the awards season.

The results won't stay a secret for long. The public’s choice for Film of the Year will be officially announced on March 16, 2026. Whether your favorite is a major blockbuster or an independent darling, this program offers a unique platform to weigh in on cinematic excellence before the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hands out the gold statues.