The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is debating on implementing a new rule for filmmakers to inform if AI had been used for a film before an Oscar contest.

The recent concern for expanding the roles of artificial intelligence in movie-making is also fueling these considerations.

Currently, the Academy offers an optional disclosure form for AI usage in films. However, according to reports from Variety, this is being discussed to be made mandatory. The Academy's Governors and Branch executive committees are closely examining how AI is being integrated across various filmmaking disciplines.

For clarity, the Academy's Science and Technology Council is drafting specific language recommendations for AI disclosures. The final details for this rule change are awaiting inclusion in the 2026 eligibility criteria for the Oscars, which will be available for viewing in April.

The debate on AI regulation in filmmaking has been on the rise after the recent controversies. The Brutalist and Emilia Perez are some of the films that have been criticized for using AI in post-production. In The Brutalist, AI was involved, and this led to criticism, which prompted the director, Brady Corbet, to clarify that its usage was minimal. In Emilia Perez, AI technology was used to clone actors' voices, raising ethical concerns about authenticity in performance.

Other prominent productions, such as A Complete Unknown and Dune: Part Two, have also used AI in different ways, leading to long-running arguments about whether AI should augment the art of storytelling or eventually replace it.

Read: Top Hollywood movies of 2024, led by 'Dune 2' as IMDb top-rated film

The Role of AI in filmmaking today

For some time now, AI has been an integral part of visual effects, but now that the latter influences filmmaking, it has become a hot topic for discussion on ethical grounds. Within the Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards, nominees now are emerging technologies that rely on AI-driven tools.

For example, Rising Sun Pictures, an Australia-based VFX studio, came up with a machine-learning toolset called Revize. The technology has so far been used for facial replacement, de-aging, and other digital enhancements in some of the biggest films.

The impact on visual effects

The AI toolset by Rising Sun has already been utilized in films such as A Complete Unknown and Deadpool & Wolverine. In A Complete Unknown, AI-assisted in making stunt performers look similar to the lead actor in some wide shots. Similarly, in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, AI tools were utilized in approximately 150 shots in order to showcase the aging of the protagonist from childhood to adulthood.

As AI continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking, debates over transparency, artistic integrity, and ethical usage persist. While some argue that AI should strictly aid storytelling without replacing human creativity, others believe clear disclosure rules could help balance innovation and artistic authenticity.

Read: Oscars 2025: LA wildfires won’t halt 97th Oscars, Academy confirms