The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared on Friday that works involving AI-generated performances or screenplays will no longer be eligible for Oscars, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
This decision delineates the Academy’s approach to managing AI technologies in filmmaking, which includes script generation, performance alterations, and actor recreations. It underscores a commitment to human creativity and authorship in award eligibility.
Under these revised guidelines, only performances executed by human actors will be considered for acting awards, contingent upon their inclusion in the film’s official credits and execution with the actor’s approval. Similarly, writing accolades are reserved solely for screenplays authored by humans.
Previously, in April, the Academy had adopted a more impartial stance towards generative AI in filmmaking, stressing that human creative control should guide award decisions. The then rules stated, “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.” However, they emphasized judging based on human involvement at the core of creative authorship.
The Academy retains the right to inquire about AI usage in films, including assessing human participation levels. This enables them to handle exceptional cases with discretion.
Additionally, new rules address productions using AI for altering or completing performances, mandating that live actors execute these roles with consent. This aims to restrict digital recreations from qualifying as eligible work.
As AI continues to transform Hollywood, an AI-generated video featuring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt went viral in February. More recently, AI resurrected Val Kilmer’s likeness for a role in the upcoming film “As Deep as the Grave,” following his passing last summer.
SAG-AFTRA has issued warnings that AI-generated performers could jeopardize jobs by leveraging existing work without permission. Meanwhile, actors and musicians are increasingly seeking legal protections for their likenesses through trademarks and other actions. Conversely, some celebrities, including Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine, have embraced AI collaborations, working with companies like ElevenLabs to create digital voice replicas.
In an interview with Decrypt, Silicon Valley actor T.J. Miller expressed minimal concern over AI encroaching on his career. “I’m not super scared that AI can take my job,” he remarked. “As far as hosting and being very funny and getting the energy up, I am not afraid of losing.”