AI performances and screenplays won't be eligible for Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced new rules that will exclude AI-generated performances and screenplays from eligibility for Oscars, starting with the 2027 awards. While filmmakers may continue to use AI tools in production, any "synthetic" performances or screenplays must be human-authored to qualify for consideration. The Academy will have the authority to request additional information from submissions to verify human involvement in the creative process. This decision comes amid growing concerns about the increasing role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. A notable example is the upcoming indie film *As Deep as the Grave*, which features a fully AI-generated performance of the late actor Val Kilmer. Kilmer, who passed away in April 2025, was originally cast but had to withdraw due to health issues. The film’s director, Coerte Voorhees, said Kilmer’s family supported the use of AI to include the actor posthumously, emphasizing Kilmer’s desire to be part of the project despite the controversy it sparked. The move by the Academy reflects broader industry unease following viral AI-generated content, such as a realistic 15-second clip created with ByteDance’s Seedance 2.0 tool, depicting Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in a rooftop fight. This clip intensified fears about the potential for AI to disrupt traditional filmmaking and intellectual property rights. In response, ByteDance has reportedly paused the rollout of this technology as Hollywood and regulators consider the implications of AI’s growing influence on creative industries. The Academy’s updated rules underscore the challenges faced by the entertainment sector in balancing technological innovation with ethical and artistic standards. By requiring human authorship for awards eligibility, the Academy aims to preserve the integrity of cinematic achievements while navigating the evolving landscape of AI-assisted creativity.