Oscars Change Rules to Not Reward AI Works

Key Takeaways

Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark

AI-generated scripts are no longer eligible for Oscar nominations in the screenplay category.
AI-created performers will not be considered for acting accolades, such as Tilly Norwood.
For acting categories, only performances by human actors who have given consent for their image to be used will be eligible.
Changes to the Best International Feature Film category allow films to qualify through official selection or winning a top prize at major international film festivals like Cannes and Venice, with the aim of addressing exclusion issues in less democratic regimes.

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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced significant rule changes that will take effect starting with the 99th Oscars ceremony, honoring films released in 2026. A primary update prohibits awarding films with AI-generated scripts and limits the eligibility of AI performers. Under the new regulations, films with AI-written scripts will not be eligible for awards. Consequently, AI-created performers, such as Tilly Norwood who debuted last year, will not be considered for acting accolades. This decision directly addresses concerns raised by the SAGAFTRA actors union regarding AI-generated performers and the use of AI to recreate digital likenesses of actors, as seen with Val Kilmer in the trailer for As Deep as the Grave.

While AI tools are permissible for use in the creative process, such as for minor corrections and formatting, screenplays must demonstrate clear human authorship. Studios that opt to create scripts entirely via AI will not be considered for Oscar nominations. For acting categories, only performances by human actors who have given their consent for their image to be used will be eligible. Furthermore, actors may now receive multiple nominations within the same category if more than one of their performances qualifies for the top five votes. A notable adjustment has been made to the Best International Feature Film category. Films can now qualify in two ways: either by official selection from their country of origin or by winning a top prize at one of six major international film festivals—Berlin, Busan, Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, or Venice. If a film qualifies through a festival win and subsequently wins Best International Feature Film, the award will be presented to the film itself, with the director accepting on behalf of the creative team. This change aims to alleviate issues where national selection committees might exclude critically acclaimed films, particularly those from less democratic regimes.

Oscars Rule Changes for AI Exclusion (Effective Mar 14, 2027)

All these changes will be effective for the Oscars ceremony scheduled for March 14, 2027.

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