The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has updated its eligibility rules to disqualify artificial intelligence-generated content from consideration in the acting and writing categories. The new rules, announced on Friday, require that acting roles be "credited in the film's legal billing and demonstrably performed by humans with their consent" to be eligible for an Oscar. Similarly, screenplays "must be human-authored to be eligible."
What the rules change
The Academy's move directly addresses recent industry developments where AI-generated performers and scripts have gained visibility. Companies have floated AI-created performers, such as Tilly Norwood, as the future of entertainment. A forthcoming movie's use of generative AI to recreate the late Val Kilmer's performance has also sparked controversy. The new rules effectively cut off any path to industry recognition for AI-driven creative work in these categories.
What is not covered
The Academy has not yet established rules regarding generative AI use in other categories, including visual effects, costume design, or music. Productions remain free to use generative AI in those areas, but the technology's use will not be rewarded with an Oscar in acting or writing.
Other rule changes
The Academy also introduced two additional eligibility changes: actors can now be nominated for multiple performances in the same category, and international films will be credited as the nominee rather than the country or region they represent.
Bottom line
The Oscars' new rules create a clear boundary: productions can use generative AI, but those works will not be eligible for awards in acting or writing. This gives other awards bodies a foundation to develop their own policies.