Artificial Intelligence

Oscars Rule Changes Ban AI Performances

Are the Oscars' new AI rules a meaningful stand for human creativity or hollow posturing that changes almost nothing?

Published MAY 3

Story

Above: A view of a decorative Oscar statue on the red carpet during preparations for the Academy Awards ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre on March 14, 2026. Image credit: Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

The Facts

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday announced updated rules for the 99th Oscars, stating that only acting "demonstrably performed by humans" with their consent and screenplays that are "human-authored" will be eligible for nomination.
BBC News
Breitbart
The rule changes were partly prompted by the posthumous use of AI to recreate the likeness of actor Val Kilmer, who died in 2025, for the upcoming film "As Deep as the Grave." The Academy also reserved the right to request more information about AI use and human authorship in submitted films.
TechCrunch
The Telegraph
Actors may now receive multiple nominations in the same category if their performances rank among the top five vote-getters, aligning acting categories with other Oscar categories. Previously, only the highest-tallying performance would receive a nomination.
TheWrap
guardian
The Best International Feature Film category now allows non-English-language films to qualify by winning a top prize at one of six approved festivals: Berlin, Busan, Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and Venice. Previously, only one film per country, selected by a national committee, could be submitted.
Oscars
Breitbart
Under the revised international feature rules, the film itself will be credited as the nominee rather than the country of origin, and the director will accept the award on behalf of the creative team. The director's name will appear on the statuette plaque after the film title.
TheWrap
guardian
Additional rule changes for the 99th Oscars include increasing the maximum number of casting statuettes from two to three and fixing the cinematography shortlist at 20 films. The ceremony is scheduled for March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Oscars
Variety

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The Spin

Narrative A

The Academy's new rules for the 99th Oscars are a meaningful stand for human creativity — only performances and screenplays demonstrably made by humans can be nominated. The international film category got a real upgrade too, letting festival winners compete without being blocked by national politics. These changes protect artists and modernize a system that was long overdue for reform.

NPR

World of Reel

Narrative B

The Academy's so-called AI ban is mostly smoke and mirrors — visual effects and sound design, where AI will dominate, are completely untouched by the new rules. Blocking an AI actor from winning a trophy while AI reshapes every technical craft behind the scenes is hollow posturing. This changes almost nothing of substance and reads more like a PR move than a real policy.

Matt Jarbo on X