The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set to introduce a new rule that will require filmmakers to disclose their use of artificial intelligence (AI) in films, following controversies surrounding AI’s involvement in Oscar-nominated projects.
The debate gained momentum with films like The Brutalist and Emilia Perez, which raised questions about the fairness and transparency of using AI in film production. Recently, The Brutalist faced backlash after it was revealed that AI had been used to enhance performances by Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, with the film’s editor admitting to the post-production involvement of AI.
According to a report by Variety, the Academy is moving towards making AI disclosure mandatory for films that make it to the Oscars. The Academy’s current policy offers an optional disclosure form for filmmakers to list AI usage. However, the Board of Governors and Branch executive committees are now investigating the use of AI across different branches, with a goal to make disclosure a requirement for the 2026 Oscars. The Academy’s SciTech Council is also working on the specific language for this rule.
The Brutalist stirred controversy when it was revealed that AI had been used in post-production, with director Brady Corbet clarifying that the use was minimal, and the actors had previously worked with a Hungarian dialect coach. He also stressed that the architectural sketches were hand-drawn.
For Emilia Perez, directed by Jacques Audiard, AI was used to clone the voices of the actors, further fueling concerns over AI’s growing influence in the film industry. Other Oscar contenders like A Complete Unknown and Dune: Part 2 have also incorporated AI to varying degrees.
The Oscars’ new stance on AI comes amid growing scrutiny about the ethical implications and impact of AI in creative fields.
