Actor Eligibility for Official Film Credits

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has established new guidelines regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) for the 98th Academy Awards, confirming that the use of such tools will not automatically disqualify a film from competition or nomination.

According to a statement released by the Academy on April 21, 2025, the integration of generative AI and other digital tools during the filmmaking process will neither help nor hinder a production’s chances of securing a nomination.

Human-Centric Evaluation

While the Academy has formally authorized the use of AI in competing feature films, it emphasized that the human element remains the primary focus for voters. The institution stated that the Academy and its individual branches will evaluate performances by considering the role of humans at the center of the creative process when selecting winners.

This policy ensures that while AI-enhanced films are eligible, the awards continue to recognize human creative achievement. The 98th Oscar ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles.

Context of AI in Recent Productions

The move comes amid increasing industry scrutiny over the use of AI to alter performances. Recent examples cited in reporting include the film Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, which utilized AI tools to modify the voice of actress Karla Sofía Gascón during a musical sequence.

Similarly, the film The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, employed AI technology to refine the Hungarian accents of lead actors Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. These instances of digital enhancement sparked discussions regarding the boundaries of performance and the role of technology in acting.

Additional Voting Reforms

Alongside the AI guidance, the Academy announced a significant change to its voting procedures to prevent members from casting ballots based on trends or reputation without having seen the work.

Academy members will now be required to actually watch the feature films in a category before they are permitted to submit their votes. Previously, members were only required to attest on their honor that they had viewed the selection, a loophole that some reportedly used to vote for popular nominees without screening the films.

These updates reflect the Academy’s attempt to balance the rapid evolution of cinema technology with the preservation of traditional artistic standards as the industry moves toward the March 2026 ceremony.