• Acting and screenwriting must be fully human-made to qualify for nomination
• Use of AI in film production does not affect eligibility for Oscars

In a move reflecting growing debate over the role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced new updates to the rules governing the Oscars. The changes confirm that acting and screenwriting can only be considered for awards if they are entirely created by humans.

The Academy clarified that any acting performance must be “clearly carried out by a human,” while screenplays must be “written by human hands” as a core requirement for eligibility.

It described the update as a “substantive shift” in qualification standards, especially as AI tools become increasingly integrated into creative production.

The clarification comes amid rising examples in Hollywood of digital recreation and AI-generated performances, including plans to recreate actor Val Kilmer—who passed away in 2025—using AI for a lead role in an upcoming film.

Actress and comedian Eline van der Velden has also previously revealed an AI-generated “virtual actor” designed to achieve global fame.

Concerns over AI use in writing were also central during Hollywood writers’ strikes two years ago, when studios’ adoption of automated scripting tools became a key dispute.

However, the Academy stopped short of banning AI in filmmaking overall, stating that its use in other production areas neither helps nor harms nomination chances.

It added that awards consideration will focus on the extent to which human creativity remains at the core of the work.

The Academy also reserved the right to request further details if there are doubts about AI involvement, particularly regarding human authorship.

The move comes against the backdrop of long-standing technological evolution in cinema, from CGI used since the 1990s to today’s AI systems, which differ in that they can generate content automatically from simple prompts rather than relying on direct human craftsmanship.