The Oscars embrace artificial intelligence – new award rules announced

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is moving with the times. For the first time in history, the official Oscar rules include a reference to generative artificial intelligence. The new guidelines clearly state that the mere use of AI in the filmmaking process does not directly affect a film’s chances of receiving an award. What matters, however, is how the technology is used – and most importantly, the role played by human creators.

AI in inema – the tuture is already here

Can artificial intelligence create films? Increasingly, the answer is yes. AI technologies are evolving at a rapid pace, offering filmmakers new possibilities – from automating tedious production tasks to inspiring screenplays and generating visual effects. What once seemed like a futuristic concept is now becoming an everyday part of the industry.

The Academy responds – humans still at the heart of creativity

The new Oscar rulebook leaves no doubt:

“When it comes to generative artificial intelligence and other digital tools used in filmmaking, these tools neither help nor hinder the chances of being nominated. The Academy and its branches will assess achievements based on the extent to which a human was at the center of the creative authorship in selecting a film for an award.”

This means human authorship remains key – even if parts of the process are supported by AI. The Academy is not closing itself off to new technologies but emphasizes that creativity and artistic decisions must remain in human hands.

Between opportunity and threat

The inclusion of AI in the Oscar rules is significant, especially in the context of the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes that began in 2023. One of the major concerns fueling these protests was the potential impact of advancing technology on the working conditions of creators.

Incorporating AI into the Oscar rulebook is a symbolic yet important step toward adapting to a new reality. The future of filmmaking will undoubtedly become increasingly intertwined with technology – the key question is whether a balance can be struck between machine and human. The Academy seems to send a clear message: openness to innovation, with the human creative spirit still at the core.