Oscars Addresses AI in Filmmaking: New Rules for the 98th Academy Awards
The Academy acknowledges AI’s role in filmmaking but emphasizes human creativity remains paramount
By Editorial Team
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially acknowledged the growing influence of artificial intelligence in filmmaking with new rule changes for the 98th Oscars awards ceremony. Rather than imposing strict limitations or mandatory disclosure requirements for AI usage, the Academy has taken a more nuanced approach, indicating that AI utilization by itself won’t impact a film’s eligibility — but how filmmakers implement the technology could affect award decisions.
“With regard to generative artificial intelligence and other digital tools used in the making of the film, the tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination. The Academy and each branch will judge the achievement, taking into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when choosing which movie to award.”
This statement, now included in the Academy’s film eligibility guidelines, represents the first time the organization has formally addressed AI in its rulebook. According to The New York Times, the Academy considered going even further by requiring filmmakers to disclose whether they used AI during a film’s creation but ultimately opted for the current language.
The timing of this acknowledgment is particularly significant given the context of the entertainment industry’s recent history. The lengthy Hollywood strikes by actors and writers that began in 2023 were partly fueled by concerns over AI’s potential impact on creative jobs within the industry. The Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA both negotiated protections against certain AI uses in their respective contracts following these strikes.
While the Academy’s new language doesn’t prohibit AI use, the wording clearly emphasizes the value placed on human creativity. The statement that judgments will consider “the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship” signals that films relying heavily on AI-generated content might face challenges in award consideration compared to those demonstrating significant human creative input.
The AI rule wasn’t the only change implemented for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. Another notable addition requires Academy members to watch all nominated films in a category before voting in the final round. However, as The New York Times points out, this requirement operates on an honor system, with voters simply self-certifying their compliance without providing proof.
These changes reflect the Academy’s evolving approach to both technological advances and voting integrity as the film industry continues to transform. The AI guidelines, in particular, represent a careful balancing act: acknowledging the technology’s growing role while reinforcing the Academy’s traditional emphasis on human artistry and creativity.
As AI tools become increasingly sophisticated and accessible to filmmakers at all levels, these rules may need further refinement in future years. For now, the message seems clear—the Academy is watching the development of AI in filmmaking with interest, but human creative vision remains the primary criterion for Oscar recognition.