The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed that films created using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies will remain eligible for Oscar consideration, following the release of its updated eligibility rules for the upcoming awards season.
According to new guidelines issued on Monday, the Academy clarified that the use of generative AI or digital tools in film production will “neither advantage nor disadvantage” a film’s chances of being nominated. This marks a significant step in how the film industry is preparing to integrate emerging technologies into its most prestigious honors.
Generative AI, which can craft original text, visuals, sound, and even full videos based on written prompts, has already contributed to the production of several high-profile films. Some of these works earned top honors at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony held in March.
However, the Academy emphasized that the role of human creativity and involvement will continue to be a central factor in determining winners. This language was reportedly shaped by the organization’s Science and Technology Council to reflect the evolving landscape of digital storytelling tools while upholding the spirit of artistic excellence.
Among other notable changes, the Academy has also mandated that voting members must now watch all the nominated films in a given category before they are allowed to vote in the final round. This move is intended to ensure a more informed and equitable judging process.
The conversation around AI in cinema intensified earlier this year when actor Adrian Brody received the Best Actor award for his performance in The Brutalist. The film used generative AI to fine-tune Brody’s Hungarian accent, showcasing how AI tools can be used subtly to enhance performances. Similarly, AI-driven voice cloning was used in the musical Emilia Perez to improve the vocal performances of its cast—another Oscar-winning production.
These examples have sparked both admiration and concern in the industry. While AI tools are being praised for their ability to streamline production and refine artistic output, many creatives remain wary of the technology’s implications.
The broader entertainment community has not forgotten the 2023 Hollywood strikes, where AI was a central concern for both actors and writers. Performers protested against the unauthorized use of their voice or image, fearing scenarios where their digital likeness could be replicated without consent.
“If you can make me say or do something I didn’t choose to, that’s a problem,” actress Susan Sarandon remarked during the strikes. Writers, too, voiced unease about studios using generative AI tools like ChatGPT to replace human labor in brainstorming, research, or drafting scripts—tasks that are deeply tied to human intuition and nuance.
While the industry has since reached agreements to implement safeguards around the use of AI, tensions remain. Some stars, like Scarlett Johansson, have publicly expressed concern over the misuse of their digital likeness. Meanwhile, others have cautiously welcomed the technology as long as clear ethical boundaries are maintained.
Despite the growing presence of AI in post-production, many animators and filmmakers believe that current generative tools still lack the depth required for emotionally powerful storytelling. “AI can get the bones of a story down,” said Jonathan Kendrick, co-founder of Rokit Flix, “but it can’t deliver the soul. You still need human hands to make Oscar-worthy work.”
As the Academy opens its doors wider to innovation, the balance between machine assistance and human artistry remains a central debate in cinema’s future. Whether AI can truly help create a Best Picture or Best Director winner remains to be seen—but it is now officially part of the conversation.
(With AI inputs)