Academy Opens Doors to AI-Assisted Films
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that films incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies will now be eligible for Oscar nominations and wins. This decision, outlined in a set of new eligibility rules released on Monday, confirms that the use of generative AI will “neither help nor harm” a film’s chances of receiving an Oscar.
While AI tools like ChatGPT, voice-cloning software, and image generators have been increasingly used in film production, the Academy emphasized that human creative contribution will still be a decisive factor in the final selection of winners.
Generative AI’s Growing Role in Film
The rule change reflects a shifting industry landscape. At the 2025 Oscars, Adrian Brody won Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist, a film that used generative AI to enhance the actor’s Hungarian accent. Similarly, the musical Emilia Perez utilized AI-driven voice technology to refine singing performances, contributing to its critical acclaim and awards success.
Generative AI’s ability to alter tones, match artistic styles, and edit visual and audio content has made it increasingly popular in film and music production. Yet, it continues to spark heated debate across the creative community.
Maintaining Creative Integrity
The new language regarding AI eligibility was recommended by the Academy’s Science and Technology Council. The organization made clear that while AI is permissible, the evaluation of a film’s merit will focus heavily on human creative involvement. The Academy seeks to balance innovation with artistic authenticity.
As part of broader rule changes, Academy members must now view all nominated films in a category before voting in the final round. This measure is intended to ensure more informed decisions and uphold the credibility of the Oscars.
Concerns Over AI in Hollywood
Despite the growing adoption of AI, many industry professionals remain skeptical. During the 2023 Hollywood strikes, actors and writers voiced concerns over job displacement caused by AI tools. Actress Susan Sarandon warned against the misuse of AI to simulate her voice and likeness without consent, stating, “That’s not a good thing.”
Screenwriters also expressed fears that studios would use tools like ChatGPT to replace tasks traditionally done by humans, such as script treatments and research. These concerns were addressed in part through union agreements that established safeguards against AI misuse.
Still, the artistic community remains divided. Scarlett Johansson and others have spoken out about the potential for exploitation, while some, including filmmakers using AI tools, see the technology as a valuable supplement rather than a replacement for human talent.
AI’s Limitations and the Future of Film
Despite its potential, AI tools still face limitations. Animators interviewed by the BBC in 2024 expressed doubts that generative AI could replicate the nuance and depth required for award-winning animation. Jonathan Kendrick, co-founder of Rokit Flix, likened AI’s role to “having a bad writer help you,” capable of producing outlines but lacking emotional weight.
As AI technology continues to evolve, the Academy’s updated rules represent a step toward integrating new tools while preserving the creative essence of cinema. Whether AI-assisted films will dominate future Oscar races remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the future of filmmaking is being rewritten.
Category: Film & Entertainment, Artificial Intelligence, Awards & Festivals
