The Academy has not banned AI from the Oscars. It has defined what it means to be the author of a film.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced new rules for the 99th Oscars requiring that acting nominations go only to roles “demonstrably performed by humans with their consent” and that screenplays be “human-authored,” with producers required to sign an Affidavit of Human Origin. AI tools remain eligible in VFX, sound, and editing categories, drawing a line between AI as a production tool and AI as creative author.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced new eligibility rules on 2 May for the 99th Academy Awards, and the two that matter most are about seven words each. Acting nominations will be limited to roles “demonstrably performed by humans with their consent.” Screenplays must be “human-authored.” Producers will be required to sign an Affidavit of Human Origin during the submission process. The Academy reserves the right to request additional information about a film’s use of generative artificial ...