The Academy is unlikely to bestow the golden statuette to robots in the near future.

On May 1, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed new regulations stating that AI performances are ineligible for an Oscar. Filmmakers may still utilize AI tools in their submissions, but only performances by human actors and screenplays authored by humans will be considered for the most prestigious awards.

This decision aligns with AI agreements established during the 2023 Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA strikes and responds to escalating concerns regarding the role of generative AI tools in creative sectors.

For instance, a recent trailer for the forthcoming historical adventure film As Deep as the Grave, which featured a wholly AI-generated depiction of the late Val Kilmer, sparked significant outrage among fans who found the on-screen digital representation unsettling. Prior to his passing, Kilmer worked with UK tech firm Sonantic to create an AI model of his speaking voice. Other stars, including Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine, have collaborated with AI company ElevenLabs to replicate their voices as well.

While certain celebrities are advancing ahead of their AI counterparts, others are resisting against unauthorized deepfakes on a larger scale. Pop sensation Taylor Swift has recently applied for a trademark for her voice and likeness — including the phrase “Hey, it’s Taylor.” — amidst a rise in synthetic AI representations of her circulating online, including in data phishing scams.

The Academy also announced further changes to rules governing international film and acting categories, generating excitement online following a series of controversial Oscar campaign battles in recent years. For films not in English, a nation can now submit multiple nominated entries rather than being restricted to one. Likewise, actors can receive multiple nominations within the same category if their performances are rated among the top five.