The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences—better known as the folks behind the Oscars—has drawn a firm line in the sand against the use of generative AI. In a significant policy shift, the Oscars bans generative AI in acting and writing categories by changing eligibility rules to exclude AI-generated performances and scripts.

Details on the New Eligibility Rules

According to reports via The Wrap, the new regulations are very specific about what qualifies for award consideration. The Academy has established clear boundaries for two major pillars of filmmaking:

  • Acting Categories: Only roles "demonstrately performed by humans with their consent" will be considered eligible.
  • Writing Categories: Only "human-authored" screenplays will qualify for awards.

Why the Oscars Bans Generative AI in Acting and Writing Categories

It is important to note that this does not represent a wholesale ban on generative AI in the filmmaking process, which would be unrealistic given how technology evolves. The rules state that using generative AI and other digital tools in other categories will not impact a film's chances for a nomination.

However, the Academy will "take into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship" when choosing winners. If questions about AI usage arise, the Academy reserves the right to request more information regarding the nature of the use and human authorship.

This flexibility is vital because, much like in game development, tools improve over time; using AI for early storyboarding, for instance, likely won't cause a film's exclusion. Even so, this decision—where the Oscars bans generative AI in acting and writing categories—is a necessary repudiation of an exploitative future.

The industry is already facing unsettling developments, such as the creation of AI "actors" like the Tilly Norwood phenomenon. Furthermore, there is the "money-grubbing obscenity" of using technology to resurrect deceased actors like George C. Scott.

Without these protections, we could see a future where an AI avatar accepts a Best Actor award for something as ridiculous as Patton 2: Hormuz Boogaloo. While such a scenario sounds absurd today, the Academy is likely glad to get ahead of the technology before it becomes a reality.