The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has declared that films using artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, can compete for Oscars, stirring debate in the film world.
New rules announced on Monday state that AI use will not affect a film’s nomination chances. The decision, backed by the Academy’s Science and Technology Council, stresses that human creativity remains the key factor in selecting winners.
AI tools, which generate text, images, or audio from simple prompts, have already impacted award-winning films. At the 2024 Oscars, The Brutalist used AI to refine Adrien Brody’s Hungarian accent, securing him Best Actor.
Similarly, Emilia Perez, an Oscar-winning musical, employed AI to enhance singing voices. These tools can quickly edit appearances or mimic artistic styles.
Yet, AI’s rise has sparked concerns. During the 2023 Hollywood strikes, actors and writers feared job losses to AI systems like ChatGPT, which studios might use for scriptwriting or research to save costs.
Actress Susan Sarandon said, “If AI can take my face or voice without permission, that’s troubling.” Agreements ending the strikes included AI safeguards, but anxieties linger. Scarlett Johansson has warned about AI misusing artists’ likenesses.
The Academy also mandated that members must watch all nominated films in each category to vote in the final round, ensuring fair decisions. While some, like Brody, welcome AI, others, like animator Jonathan Kendrick of Rokit Flix, argue it lacks emotional depth for Oscar-caliber work. “AI can draft outlines, but it won’t win Oscars,” Kendrick noted.
