The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Introduces New Rules for the Oscars
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled updated guidelines for next year’s Oscars, with a focus on addressing concerns around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. These changes aim to ensure that traditional human creativity remains at the heart of the awards process.
In the acting categories, the Academy has clarified that only roles “demonstrably performed by humans with their consent” will be considered eligible for an award. This means that AI-generated performances, such as Val Kilmer’s posthumous role in the upcoming film As Deep as the Grave, will not qualify for consideration. Similarly, in the writing categories, screenplays must be human-authored to be eligible for recognition.
This decision follows growing concerns among actors about the potential impact of AI on the industry. In February, Matthew McConaughey spoke about the possibility of AI being recognized at the Oscars, stating: “It’s damn sure going to infiltrate our category. Does it become another category? Will we be, in five years, having ‘the best AI film’? ‘The best AI actor?’”
James Cameron, the director of Avatar, also voiced his concerns about the differences between performance capture and generative AI. He argued that performance capture involves real human performances, while generative AI can create characters, actors, and even entire performances from scratch using a text prompt. “That’s horrifying to me. That’s the opposite. That’s exactly what we’re not doing,” he said.
Additional Changes to the Oscars Guidelines
Beyond the AI-related rules, the Academy has introduced several other updates to the Oscars guidelines for next year. One significant change allows actors to be nominated for multiple performances in the same category, provided all of their performances receive top-five votes in that category. For example, Paul Mescal could have been nominated last year for both The History of Sound and Hamnet, though he campaigned only for the latter.
The Academy has also expanded the eligibility criteria for international films. In addition to the existing system where countries or regions nominate films, international films will now be eligible if they win Best Film at one of the following prestigious festivals:
- Berlin International Film Festival (Golden Bear for Best Film)
- Busan International Film Festival (Busan Award – Best Film Award)
- Cannes Film Festival (Palme d’Or)
- Sundance Film Festival (World Cinema Grand Jury Prize)
- Toronto International Film Festival (Platform Award)
- Venice International Film Festival (Golden Lion)
As a result, the Best International Film Oscar will now be credited to the film and the director, rather than the nominating country.
Implementation of the New Rules
These new rules will come into effect for the first time at the 99th Academy Awards, which are scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 14, 2027. The changes reflect the Academy’s commitment to preserving the integrity of its awards while adapting to the evolving landscape of filmmaking.
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