The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced updated rules addressing the growing use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, clarifying where AI will not be acceptable within Oscar eligibility.

Under the new guidelines, AI-generated performances and screenplays are not eligible for acting and writing awards. The Academy states that performances must be “demonstrably performed” by humans with their consent, while scripts must be authored by human writers to qualify.

At the same time, the rules stop short of banning AI from filmmaking entirely. Instead, the Academy is taking a more nuanced approach: films that use AI tools can still be considered for awards, as long as human creative authorship remains central to the work.

This distinction is key. While AI cannot replace actors or writers in award-eligible roles, it does not disqualify films created using AI-assisted pipelines, whether for visual effects, production workflows, or other areas. The Academy has also indicated it may request additional information from filmmakers to verify the extent of human involvement when AI tools are used.

Beyond AI, the rule changes also include updates to other categories, such as expanded eligibility for international films and adjustments to nomination rules in acting categories.

The Academy’s updated rules don’t resolve ongoing tension, but they do establish a clearer boundary for its current guidelines: AI may assist in making a film, but it cannot replace the human contributions at the center of performance and storytelling.

This also raises the question of whether or not other industries will adopt similar policies, such as for The Game Awards or The Grammys. 

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