Oscars Ban AI-Generated Performances in New Rules for 2025 Awards
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has updated its rules on AI in film, sparking discussions across Hollywood. Under the new guidelines, performances generated by artificial intelligence will no longer qualify for Oscars. The decision comes as celebrities and studios increasingly explore AI tools for voice cloning and digital recreations.
Meanwhile, recent controversies over AI-generated voices and deepfakes have put the technology under scrutiny. A trailer for As Deep as the Grave, featuring an AI version of Val Kilmer, drew strong reactions from fans. The Academy’s move also follows high-profile cases, including Taylor Swift’s trademark filing to protect her voice and image from unauthorised use. The Academy’s updated rules clarify that only human actors and human-written screenplays will compete for its top awards. Filmmakers can still use AI tools in their projects, but AI-generated performances will not be eligible for recognition. This change aligns with agreements secured during the 2023 Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which sought to regulate AI’s role in creative industries.
Before his death, Val Kilmer collaborated with UK tech company Sonantic to create an AI version of his voice. The technology was later used in a trailer for As Deep as the Grave, reigniting debates about consent and authenticity in digital recreations. Other stars, including Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine, have also worked with AI firms like ElevenLabs to clone their voices for future projects.
The Academy has also revised rules for international films and acting categories. Countries can now submit multiple nominations if their entries rank in the top five, removing the previous limit of one per category. The shift reflects growing competition and the increasing use of technology in global cinema. The new Oscar rules set clear boundaries for AI’s role in film, ensuring only human contributions receive awards. This decision follows broader industry efforts to balance innovation with ethical concerns. With celebrities taking legal steps to protect their likenesses and fans reacting strongly to AI recreations, the debate over digital authenticity in entertainment is far from over.
