Big Academy move: AI scripts and performances barred from Oscar contention

The organisation, which governs the prestigious Academy Awards, released the revised guidelines on Friday as part of preparations for the 99th Oscars. The update comes amid growing debate over the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, particularly in screenwriting and performance-related processes.

According to the new rules, only acting roles performed by humans with their consent and officially credited in a film’s legal billing will be eligible for nomination in acting categories.

“In the Acting category, only roles credited in the film’s legal billing and demonstrably performed by humans with their consent will be considered eligible,” the Academy stated.

Similarly, the updated writing rules make it clear that screenplays must be authored by humans to qualify for nomination.

“In the Writing categories, the rules codify that screenplays must be human-authored to be eligible,” the guidelines noted.

The Academy also clarified its position on artificial intelligence, stating that while the use of generative AI is not explicitly prohibited, it will closely evaluate the extent of its involvement.

“Under Eligibility (Rule Two) regarding Generative Artificial Intelligence, the Academy reserves the right to request more information about the nature of the use and human authorship,” it said.

To qualify for the 99th Academy Awards, feature films must have a theatrical release between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.

The updated rules come in the wake of growing industry tensions over AI usage, including concerns raised during a recent Hollywood writers’ strike, where the use of AI in scriptwriting was a key issue.