Oscars Now Require Human-Authored Screenplays and Performances

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced updated guidelines for the 98th Academy Awards to address the integration of generative artificial intelligence in film production. The new rules emphasize the necessity of human creative authorship for films seeking nominations and awards.

According to an announcement from the Academy Press Office on April 21, 2025, the Board of Governors approved these changes following recommendations from the Academy’s Science and Technology Council. The guidelines clarify that while the use of generative AI and other digital tools will not inherently help or harm a film’s chances of receiving a nomination, the Academy will prioritize human involvement in the creative process.

The Academy stated that it and its respective branches will evaluate achievements by considering the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when determining which movies to award.

Impact on Screenplays and Performances

The updated standards specifically target the role of AI in the creation of screenplays and the delivery of performances. To maintain the integrity of the awards, the Academy requires that screenplays be human-authored and that performances be delivered by humans. In cases where synthetic performers or digital tools are utilized, the guidelines emphasize the requirement of consent from the humans involved.

These changes come as the industry grapples with the rapid adoption of AI tools in pre-production and post-production, leading to concerns over the displacement of human writers and actors. By codifying the requirement for human authorship, the Academy aims to preserve the distinction between human creativity and algorithmic generation.

Broader Rule Changes for the 98th Oscars

The AI guidelines are part of a larger set of procedural updates for the upcoming awards season, which will culminate in the ceremony on March 15, 2026. One of the most significant shifts is a new voting requirement: Academy members must now watch every nominated film in a specific category to be eligible to vote in the final round.

To enforce this, the Academy will monitor viewing activity through its members-only screening platform. Members who view films at festivals or private events must submit a form verifying the time and location of the screening. This move is designed to reduce coattail voting and ensure that winners are chosen based on a comprehensive review of all nominees.

the 98th Oscars will introduce a new award for Achievement in Casting. This category will recognize the collaboration between casting directors, filmmakers, and producers. The selection process for this award will include a preliminary vote to determine a shortlist of 10 films, followed by a bake-off presentation and a Q&A session before the final nominations are set.

Updated Eligibility and Deadlines

The Academy also expanded eligibility for the International Feature Film category to be more inclusive of filmmakers with refugee or asylum status. The submitting country must now confirm that creative control of the film remained largely with citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee or asylum status within that country.

Other technical changes include a new preliminary voting round for the Cinematography category to establish a shortlist of 10 to 20 films, and expanded voting privileges for the Animated Short Film nominations round for all members who opt in.

Key dates for the 2025-2026 season include the nominations voting period from January 12 through January 16, 2026, with official nominees announced on January 22, 2026. Final voting for the winners will open on February 26 and close on March 5, 2026.