Academy Updates Oscars Rules on AI, Acting, Int'l Films

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced significant updates to its awards rules on Friday, introducing measures for the 99th Academy Awards that emphasize human authorship amid the rise of artificial intelligence, expand eligibility for international feature films and allow actors multiple nominations within the same category.

The changes, approved by the Academy's Board of Governors as part of its annual review, take effect for films qualifying in 2026 and culminating in nominations announced January 21, 2027, and the ceremony on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Officials stressed that generative AI tools will neither advantage nor disadvantage films, but branches will evaluate achievements based on the extent of human creative involvement. The Academy reserves the right to request details from filmmakers on AI use and authorship.

In acting categories, only roles credited in a film's legal billing and demonstrably performed by humans with their consent qualify for consideration. Screenplays in original and adapted categories must be human-authored. "Humans have to be at the center of the creative process," Academy President Lynette Howell...