Oscars 2026 – AI In The Movies: Academy Considers Tougher Rules

For the Oscars 2026, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is reportedly considering new rules requiring filmmakers to disclose how artificial intelligence (AI) was used in their movies. The move is a response to increasing concerns about AI’s role in filmmaking, particularly given the controversy over the use of AI in post-production for two Oscar-nominated films, Emilia Perez and The Brutalist.

Though AI has been employed for visual effects for some time, its rapidly changing capabilities are bringing up ethical debates about fairness and authenticity, as well as the creative integrity of the film industry. Although this move by the Academy to examine how AI is being used could set precedents that shape the industry in the future and determine how AI technology will be incorporated into films moving forward.

AI’s Growing Influence in Filmmaking

AI technology has significantly advanced in film production, post-production, and visual effects. Some of its applications include:

• Voice Cloning and Enhancement: AI can refine or modify an actor’s dialogue, helping correct accents or pronunciations, as seen in The Brutalist.
• Deepfake and Face Replacement Technology: This technology is used to de-age actors or replace stunt doubles, as seen in several Hollywood blockbusters.
• Scriptwriting and Editing Assistance: AI can generate dialogue, suggest edits, and streamline production workflows.
• AI-Generated Visual Effects (VFX): AI helps with CGI rendering, background replacements, and creating more efficient realistic effects.

The Brutalist and Emilia Perez: The AI Controversy

The controversy over AI in filmmaking intensified after reports emerged that AI was used in post-production for The Brutalist and Emilia Perez, two of the most nominated films for the 2025 Oscars.

The Brutalist: AI in Language Enhancement

Directed by Brady Corbet, The Brutalist faced backlash after it was revealed that AI was used to refine the Hungarian pronunciation of its lead actors, Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. The actors did extensive work with a Hungarian dialogue coach before applying AI technology to their voices to adjust some specific vowels and sounds in their dialogue.

Corbet defended the use of AI, clarifying that:

• The AI intervention was minimal and only assisted in technical refinement.
• The actors’ performances remained untouched and were not generated or altered by AI.
• AI was used manually by the sound team with assistance from Respeecher, a voice modification tool.

The very real possibility that even conservative adjustments of AI could upset the authenticity level of an actor’s performance leans on ethical considerations surrounding fairness in award competitions, even if Corbet explains that AI-driven changes would have no place in a courtroom.

Emilia Perez: AI in Voice Cloning

Emilia Perez, directed by Jacques Audiard, also used AI for voice cloning, in this case, to extend the vocal range of actress Karla Sofia Gascón. This raised further debate about whether such AI interventions provide an unfair advantage in performance-based awards categories.

Hollywood’s Response to AI in Movies

In Hollywood, a fierce debate has been brewing for months about using generative AI, such as chatbots and image generators. More filmmakers and studios are looking for ways to use AI-powered tools to cut costs, streamline workflow, and broaden creative horizons.

Supporters of AI in Film

Proponents of AI argue that:

• AI is a technological advancement similar to past innovations like CGI and digital editing.
• When used responsibly, AI enhances creativity without replacing human input.
• AI reduces the time and resources needed to complete a project, streamlining the filmmaking process and providing more opportunities for high-quality works to be produced.

Critics of AI in Film

Critics, including many actors and filmmakers, warn that:

• AI threatens the authenticity of performances, creating a blurry line between real and artificial acting.
• Overusing AI could diminish job opportunities for actors, voice artists, and technicians.
• Unchecked AI usage raises ethical concerns about originality and fair competition.

The Academy’s Decision: Mandatory AI Disclosure for Oscars 2026 

The Academy’s SciTech Council has purportedly deliberated new AI recommendations for the 2026 awards show to address these problems. An existing voluntary AI declaration form can currently be used, though persisting talks want to institute a necessary AI employment revelation.

Potential Requirements for Filmmakers

1. Filmmakers may need to officially disclose the extent of AI’s involvement in their films.
2. The Academy may classify AI usage into technical (VFX, post-production) vs. creative (performance enhancement, scriptwriting).
3. In performance-driven categories, AI-modified performances face disqualification from acting awards to maintain competitive integrity.
4. The Academy may limit AI’s role in filmmaking, preventing excessive reliance on the technology.

Other Hollywood Studios Address AI Use

The Timothée Chalamet movie Searchlight Pictures clarified that it only used AI for minor modifications to the stunt double’s appearance. The studio stressed that these VFX applications are typical in the business and are not the same as how AI affects actor performances.

Similarly, AI-based solutions have been utilized for CGI rendering and background enhancements in major motion pictures with extensive visual effects, such as Deadpool & Wolverine, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

What This Means for the Future of Filmmaking

Because the Academy decided to examine the question of artificial intelligence (AI) in film, Hollywood now commands greater control over new technologies. How studios, regulators, and filmmakers respond to these developments will determine whether AI becomes a disruptive force or an enabler.

Predicted Industry Impact:

• Greater Transparency: Expound on what kind of AI is used in the project when a filmmaker uses it.
• Stronger Ethical Guidelines: AI’s influence upon acting performances may be limited to guarantee fair competition.
• New Award Categories: AI-assisted performances may qualify for awards by other categories from the Academy.
• Public Perception Matters: The public perception of AI in film will be the major influencing factor.

Conclusion

The Oscars 2026 may require disclosures about how AI works; if so, it could change how AI is viewed by many in Hollywood. Technology in the media sector has edged away from human invention toward artificial ages; creativity must, therefore, be explained and defended. Although many regard AI as an indispensable instrument of contemporary storytelling, others are concerned with its potential ramifications in the field of artistic expression on a long-term basis. Whatever one’s position on the matter, however, it is clear that AI is here to stay and that its role in filmmaking will grow larger still. Future legislation by the Academy will be of tremendous import to the industry’s consideration of this new era of cinematic revolution.