Academy Rules Out AI Actors and Writers from Oscar Consideration

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has clarified that actors and writers generated by artificial intelligence will not be eligible for Oscars, reinforcing the importance of human contribution in filmmaking. Under the new guidelines, only performances delivered by live, consenting human actors and screenplays authored by real people qualify for nomination. This comes shortly after the unveiling of an AI-generated version of the late actor Val Kilmer, featured in a trailer for the action-adventure film ‘As Deep as the Grave’. The project, created with the Kilmer family’s support and video archives, sparked discussions about AI’s role in the entertainment industry. The Academy’s move also addresses broader concerns raised during the 2023 Hollywood strikes, where performers and writers expressed fears about AI threatening their livelihoods. Additionally, the Academy has updated its rules for the Best International Feature Film category. Now, non-English language films can qualify for submission if they win awards at major international festivals like Cannes, Berlin, Busan, Venice, or Toronto, without relying solely on a country’s official selection. The director will be credited on the statuette alongside the film title and country, where relevant. These changes show the Academy’s commitment to preserving human artistry while adapting to evolving film industry practices.