Academy updates artificial intelligence guidance for Oscars

In the rules for film eligibility to the Oscars, the following language regarding generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has been introduced, as recommended by the Academy’s Science and Technology Council:

“With regard to generative artificial intelligence and other digital tools used in the making of the film, the tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination. The Academy and each branch will judge the achievement, taking into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when choosing which movie to award.”

The clarification comes after this year’s Oscars in response to claims that Best Picture nominees such as The Brutalist and A Complete Unknown used some form of GenAI.

Among other changes is a new procedural demand that voters must now watch all nominated films in each category in order to be eligible to vote in the final round for Oscars.

In the Cinematography category, there will now be a preliminary round of voting for the Cinematography award to determine a shortlist of between 10 and 20 films.

In the International Feature Film category, the eligibility requirement regarding creative control has been updated to be inclusive of filmmakers with refugee or asylum status.

The 98th Oscars will take place on March 15, 2026.