The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is actively contemplating a significant policy change that could mandate filmmakers to disclose any instances of artificial intelligence utilization in their works for the upcoming 2026 Oscars. This decision reflects a growing awareness of the role AI plays in contemporary cinema and aims to ensure transparency within the film industry.
In today’s cinematic landscape, the presence of artificial intelligence is undeniable, yet Hollywood grapples with navigating this transformative technology. Throughout the past year, several controversies surrounding AI in film have emerged, and now, according to Variety, the Academy is seriously discussing the implementation of a requirement for films to openly disclose their use of AI during the 2026 Oscars. This prospective regulation aims to foster a deeper understanding of the ethical implications and creative processes involved in modern filmmaking.
Notably, many of the year’s most-nominated films, such as The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Dune: Part Two, and Emilia Pérez, have incorporated AI technologies in various capacities. While the Academy currently offers an optional disclosure form regarding AI use, there is potential for this to become a requisite part of the submission process for the next awards ceremony. The definitive guidelines will be revealed in April, giving the industry a clearer view of how to proceed.
The application of AI technology is particularly prevalent in the realm of visual effects. The Visual Effects Society Awards has introduced an emerging technology category that sheds light on the films that have embraced these innovative tools. Among the nominees is Rising Sun Pictures? Revize, which utilizes advanced machine learning techniques for tasks such as facial performance modification, de-aging, and body replacements. Notably, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga implemented this technology to enhance the likeness of the younger version of Furiosa, played by Alyla Browne, to resemble Anya Taylor Joy. Robert Beveridge, the machine learning 2D supervisor at Rising Sun, emphasized the intricate balance required to maintain the character’s integrity while achieving the desired visual fidelity.
?There should always be truthfulness,? remarked a seasoned member of the VFX branch. ?Decisions regarding awards should consider the contributions made by the human artists to create the final product. The innovative use of new tools that advance the craft is significant,? they added, highlighting the importance of transparency in the creative process.
They further elaborated, ?It?s crucial to remember that the ultimate goal is to support storytelling. Historically, exceptional digital performances have always been rooted in the work of human actors. Recognizing the collaborative nature of filmmaking is what this awards season represents. Every professional in any craft would agree that collaboration is vital to our success in this industry.?
The Brutalist has faced scrutiny surrounding its AI usage, particularly when it became known that Respeecher technology was employed to enhance the Hungarian dialogue performed by Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. In response to this controversy, director Brady Corbet issued a clarifying statement about the AI’s role in the film. ?Adrien and Felicity?s performances are entirely their own. They dedicated months to working with dialect coach Tanera Marshall to master their accents,? Corbet explained. ?The innovative Respeecher technology was exclusively utilized for editing Hungarian dialogue, focusing on refining specific vowels and letters for precision. No alterations were made to the English language dialogue. This meticulous process was conducted by our sound team alongside Respeecher in post-production, aimed at preserving the authenticity of Adrien and Felicity?s performances in another language while respecting the integrity of their artistry.?
What are your thoughts on the Oscars potentially requiring films to disclose their use of AI technology?
