New Oscars rules exclude AI performers, require scripts written by human

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced significant changes to the eligibility rules for the Oscars, particularly concerning the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the acting and writing categories. Under the new rules, which were issued on Friday, AI performers and writers will not qualify for Oscars, emphasizing that both acting and writing must be performed by humans. This decision reflects the Academy's commitment to safeguarding the integrity of these categories from AI usage (France24, IndieWire). In addition to the restrictions on AI, the Academy has also made substantial changes to the Best International Feature category. The new rules eliminate the requirement for a contender to be submitted by a specific country. Furthermore, films that have won top awards from prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Venice, and Toronto will now be eligible for consideration in this category (IndieWire, Hollywood Reporter). These updates are part of a broader overhaul aimed at evolving the standards around eligibility and authorship for the Oscars. The changes are set to take effect for the 99th Oscars, scheduled for 2027, and include provisions that allow actors to receive multiple nominations in the same category, both lead and supporting (Variety, Deadline). The Academy's new rules represent one of the most significant shifts in its nearly 100-year history, reflecting ongoing discussions about the role of technology in the film industry (Deadline).