AI-Assisted Films Now Eligible for Oscars Under New Academy Rule

• Oscar Eligibility Confirmed for AI-Assisted Films:

  The Academy maintains that using generative AI “neither helps nor harms” a film’s chances of nomination. Evaluation depends on the extent of human authorship in the final creative product, per rules approved by the Academy’s Science and Technology Council.

• Expanded AI Guidance for 2026 Season:

  Prompted by controversies over AI use in The Brutalist and A Complete Unknown, the Academy formalized AI-related eligibility rules across all branches. AI-generated contributions must support—not substitute—human creativity.

• Revised Rules Backed by Science and Tech Council:

  These rules underscore how AI tools are to be treated as neutral technologies rather than creative agents. Each branch will assess entries based on the demonstrated involvement of human creators.

• Notable Examples from 2024 Oscars:

  • The Brutalist used AI to enhance Adrian Brody’s Hungarian accent; Brody won Best Actor.
  • Emilia Perez employed AI-based voice cloning for vocal enhancements and secured multiple wins.

• New Achievement in Casting Category Introduced:

  The 98th Oscars will feature a new award recognizing casting directors. Ten films will be shortlisted, followed by a “Bake-Off” with presentations and Q&As. Casting documentation and credit attribution will be vetted by the Branch Executive Committee.

• Voting Reform Enhanced with Enforcement Mechanism:

  All Academy members must confirm they’ve viewed every film in a category to vote. Viewing will be monitored through the Academy Screening Room, or members must verify attendance at festivals or screenings. Final ballots will now list individual nominees rather than just titles.

• Campaign Conduct Restrictions Tightened:

  Members and participants are now prohibited from disparaging the techniques (e.g., AI usage) or subject matter of competing films—extending to public posts, reposts, and comments. Violators may face penalties.

• International Feature Rule Updated for Refugees and Asylum Seekers:

  A film’s submitting country must verify that creative control resided with citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee/asylum status in that country—an update reflecting the 2024 case of The Seed of the Sacred Fig.

• Submission Deadlines and Rules for 2026 Oscars:

  • Films released Jan 1–June 30, 2025 must show PGA submission by Sept. 10.
  • Films from July 1–Dec 31, 2025 must submit by Nov. 13.
  • Music category deadlines: Oct. 15 (original song), Nov. 3 (original score).
  • Best Animated Short Film voting is open to any member who watches all 15 shortlisted titles.

• Shortlist Expansion and Final Ballot Inclusions:

  The shortlist process now includes cinematography (10–20 titles). Casting joins Makeup & Hairstyling, Sound, and VFX in holding a Bake-Off. All designated nominees in each category will appear on final ballots.

• Oscar-Qualifying Festival Mail Access Expanded:

  Film festivals like Cannes and AFI may now use approved mailing houses to share programming updates with members.

• Persistent Creative Skepticism About AI:

  Despite high-profile AI use, industry professionals like Jonathan Kendrick argue AI cannot replicate the emotional depth required for award-worthy storytelling. Animators also contend that AI lacks refinement to match their work.

• Industry Divided Over AI Ethics and Labor Rights:

  High-profile actors including Susan Sarandon and Scarlett Johansson remain wary of AI’s potential misuse. Concerns over likeness replication and job displacement led to labor agreements after the 2023 Hollywood strikes.

Why This Matters:

These changes mark a structural shift in how the Academy accommodates innovation without compromising creative standards. By formalizing AI’s role as a tool—rather than a substitute—the Academy maintains the primacy of human authorship.