Oscars says AI actors, 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 Oscar nominations. This marks a significant change in the Academy’s eligibility criteria amid the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. While AI technology can be utilized in various aspects of film production, the Academy emphasized that AI-generated acting or writing will not be considered for awards. The new guidelines come as AI tools have become more prevalent in the entertainment industry, with examples such as the planned AI recreation of the late actor Val Kilmer for a lead role in an upcoming movie. Additionally, some creators have experimented with entirely AI-generated actors, raising questions about authenticity and creative authorship. The Academy’s decision reflects ongoing concerns within Hollywood, including past disputes involving writers’ unions over the use of AI in scriptwriting and multiple copyright infringement lawsuits against AI companies by studios and artists. Despite these restrictions on acting and writing, the Academy did not impose a blanket ban on AI use in filmmaking. AI tools used in other creative capacities will neither enhance nor diminish a film’s chances of receiving a nomination. The Academy stated that each branch will assess the degree of human involvement in the creative process when determining awards, reserving the right to request additional information about the use of generative AI if necessary. This policy update underscores the evolving relationship between technology and creativity in the film industry. While computer-generated imagery (CGI) has long been integrated into filmmaking as a manual process, AI’s ability to automate creative tasks presents new challenges for defining artistic contribution. The Academy’s stance aims to preserve the recognition of human artistry while acknowledging the growing role of AI in movie production.