Oscars Update: New Rules for International Films and AI Considerations

New Guidelines Shape Future of Oscars Amid AI Concerns

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is taking a significant step in addressing the integration of artificial intelligence in film as it prepares for the 2027 Academy Awards. For the first time, the organization has outlined its stance on AI involvement in performances and scripts, emphasizing the importance of human creativity while stopping short of outright bans on AI use. The updated rules were released on Friday.

These new regulations also propose important changes to the international film category, which has faced criticism for its restrictions. Eligibility now extends to films that have received top honors from esteemed film festivals like Cannes, Venice, and Toronto.

“As we do every year, we made a lot of what we think are really smart and progressive changes,” said CEO Bill Kramer. He underscored the Academy’s commitment to inclusivity as its global presence grows, noting the need to expand the dialogue surrounding international films within the Oscars framework.

AI and Creativity at the Oscars

This year, the Academy confronts one of the most pressing issues within the filmmaking community: the rise of generative artificial intelligence. According to the new guidelines, while tools such as AI "neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination," the Academy will evaluate films based on the extent of human involvement in their creation. Moreover, they reserve the right to request additional information regarding AI’s role and the nature of human authorship involved in submissions.

“Humans have to be at the center of the creative process,” said Lynette Howell Taylor, president of the Academy. She added that as AI technology continues to advance, the Academy will adapt its discussions accordingly, always prioritizing human authorship in its eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for performances will be restricted to roles "demonstrably performed by humans with their consent." The Academy has not commented on the potential eligibility of the AI-rendered Val Kilmer performance pending a submission from the filmmakers.

“Ultimately, we will review that on a case-by-case basis,” Kramer stated. “We, like everyone in our industry, will be assessing this every year.”

In screenplay categories, the rules are more straightforward: “screenplays must be human-authored to be eligible.”

The Academy has a history of revising its standards to adapt to technological advancements, whether in sound, color, or CGI.

Revamped International Film Category

With an increasingly global membership, there have been mounting calls to reform the international film category, which has often been criticized for being outdated and politically biased. Independent filmmakers frequently find themselves sidelined under current rules.

For instance, Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or-winning film, “It Was Just an Accident,” was notably not submitted as Iran’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards, even though it garnered top honors at Cannes. Under the new rules, this film may now be eligible based on its award recognition rather than the country’s submission.

The Academy has expanded qualifying festivals to include not just Cannes, but also other prestigious awards such as the Golden Lion from Venice and the Berlin International Film Festival’s Golden Bear.

A crucial shift in this category is that international films will now be credited to the film itself rather than the country, with the director’s name appearing on the Oscar plaque alongside the film title.

“That really reflects our desire to honor the film’s creative team,” Kramer explained. “As the filmmaking community becomes more global, our focus shifts towards the filmmakers rather than the country.”

Changes in Nominations and Song Eligibility

In another notable update, actors can now receive nominations for multiple performances within the same category. This aligns the acting branch with other categories, acknowledging the range of talent displayed by individual actors.

Additionally, the Academy has clarified eligibility guidelines for original songs featured during end credits. A song must overlap with the film’s last 15 seconds to be considered for nomination. This year’s winner, “Golden,” from “KPop Demon Hunters,” exemplified this requirement through its significant presence in the film.

“We never stop looking at ways to improve our eligibility process,” Taylor concluded.