Oscars says AI actors and writing cannot win awards

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has updated its rules to clarify that only acting and writing demonstrably performed and authored by humans are eligible for Oscars. This marks a significant change in the Academy’s eligibility requirements amid the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in filmmaking. While AI-generated content can be used in films, performances and scripts created or performed by AI will not qualify for acting or writing awards. The new guidelines come as AI tools increasingly influence the entertainment industry, with examples such as the planned AI recreation of the late actor Val Kilmer for an upcoming film and the creation of entirely fake AI actors. The Academy’s decision addresses concerns raised by Hollywood writers and actors, particularly following strikes over the use of AI in scriptwriting. Despite these restrictions on acting and writing, the Academy did not impose a blanket ban on AI use in filmmaking, stating that AI tools used in other aspects of production will neither advantage nor disadvantage a film’s chances of nomination. The Academy emphasized that the human element remains central to creative authorship, and it reserves the right to request additional information about the use of generative AI if questions arise. This approach reflects ongoing tensions in the industry over copyright, creative control, and the role of AI, as studios and creators navigate the balance between technological innovation and artistic integrity. The ruling underscores the importance of human creativity in the Oscars’ recognition of excellence, even as AI continues to transform the filmmaking landscape. Technology has long been integral to film production, with computer-generated imagery (CGI) widely used since the 1990s. However, AI differs by automating creative processes through prompts rather than manual craftsmanship. The Academy’s updated rules aim to preserve the distinction between human artistry and machine-generated content in the prestigious awards, setting a precedent for how AI will be treated in future cinematic achievements.