Recommendations of the Editorial team
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has regulatedhow she will evaluate the use of artificial intelligence in Oscar candidates in the future.
Starting with the 2027 ceremony – the 99th Academy Awards – the Academy reserves the right to inquire about the extent and manner in which AI has been used in a film. According to Variety, a screenplay that wants to compete in either writing category (original or adapted screenplay) must be written entirely by one or more humans who were living and breathing at the time of writing – meaning no use of AI. In addition, the Academy reserves the right to adapt its rules as the way people use AI changes. She emphasized that she remains committed to the work of people.
AI has recently come under increasing criticism since “As Deep as the Grave,” a film that uses generative AI to bring the late Val Kilmer back to the screen, was released. The actor’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, has said she agrees with this practice.
Mercedes Kilmer on AI
“It started out as a way to overcome the limitations of his illness, but then it turned into something where he was really like, ‘Oh, wait. I have a chance to actually set a precedent,'” she told “The Today Show.” “It’s split into two camps. People who maybe have a precarious position in the industry, who are worried and see AI as a threat – which is absolutely justified – and younger people, younger actors and musicians. I’m a musician and a lot of people I know are so afraid of this technology.”
The Academy has also revised its rules for other categories. Actors are now allowed to receive more than one nomination in the same category, effectively competing against themselves. An actor like Josh O’Connor, who appeared in four films last year, could theoretically take all but one spot in the Best Actor category – assuming his performances were good enough.
Likewise, films from the same country can now compete against each other in the “Best International Film” category. “Anatomy of a Case” failed to enter the running for France in 2023 despite nominations in other categories, including Best Film. France decided to submit “The Taste of Things” instead – the film did not receive a nomination.
New campaign rules
The Academy has also updated its rules for the Casting and Hair and Makeup categories. New rules have also been introduced for how productions can advertise themselves.