Oscars Say Films Using AI Can Win Awards
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has updated its rules to reflect the growing role of AI in filmmaking. In a first, the Academy acknowledged generative AI tools, stating their use will “neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination.” Instead, decisions will be based on how much human creativity drove the work. While there were talks of requiring filmmakers to disclose AI use, the Academy decided not to make that a rule—for now.
The change comes after films like The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez used AI to enhance performances and sound design, sparking both praise and backlash. Adrien Brody’s Oscar-winning performance in The Brutalist notably used AI to adjust his Hungarian accent. And while some stars like James Cameron have backed the tech, others—like Scarlett Johansson and Demi Moore—have voiced strong concerns over potential misuse and its threat to human jobs in the industry.
The Academy also introduced new voting rules: members must now confirm they’ve watched all nominated films in a category before casting a vote. However, this is on the honor system. Meanwhile, new guidelines ban public criticism of other films’ techniques or topics, including how AI was used. The next Oscars are set for March 15, with Conan O’Brien returning as host.
