What to know

  • The Academy has officially addressed generative AI use in filmmaking, stating it will "neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination"
  • Human creative authorship remains central to the evaluation process, with Academy members judging films based on "the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship"
  • The new rules were recommended by the Academy's Science and Technology Council and will apply to the 98th Academy Awards

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has formally established its position on generative artificial intelligence in filmmaking, introducing new language into its eligibility rules for the 98th Academy Awards. This landmark decision acknowledges the growing presence of AI tools in the film industry while attempting to preserve the essence of human creativity.

According to the newly published guidelines, "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." This deliberately neutral stance indicates the Academy's recognition that AI has become an inevitable part of modern filmmaking techniques.

However, the Academy has emphasized that human involvement remains paramount in their evaluation process. The rules explicitly state that "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." This criterion establishes a framework where AI serves as a tool rather than a replacement for human artistic expression.

The deliberately vague language leaves considerable discretion to Academy voters. In essence, it places the responsibility on individual members to determine the artistic merit of films incorporating AI elements. This approach acknowledges that personal perspectives regarding AI's role in filmmaking will inevitably influence voting decisions.

The film industry's relationship with AI has grown increasingly complex. Notable industry figures like James Cameron, a multiple Academy Award winner, now serve on the board of directors at StabilityAI, a prominent generative AI company currently facing copyright lawsuits from Getty Images and individual artists. This illustrates the tension between technological advancement and traditional creative processes.

These new regulations were developed and recommended by the Academy's Science and Technology Council, demonstrating a deliberate and considered approach to addressing technological evolution in filmmaking. The rules will apply to all films released during the 2025 calendar year that seek consideration for the 98th Academy Awards.

The Academy's decision arrives amid broader conversations about AI's impact across the entertainment industry, including increased adoption in video game development following significant labor disputes last year. As AI tools become more sophisticated and accessible, the boundaries between human and machine-generated content continue to blur, presenting both opportunities and challenges for creative industries.

With these new guidelines, the Academy has established a framework that neither penalizes nor rewards AI usage, instead focusing on the fundamental human elements that have traditionally defined cinematic excellence. The effectiveness of this approach will likely be tested as filmmakers increasingly experiment with AI technologies in their creative processes.

Via: engadget