Oscars have made it easier for foreign actors to be nominated and have tightened AI rules
The Academy has updated its Oscars rules regarding AI, acting nominations, and international films, broadening eligibility while reinforcing requirements for human authorship.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has sanctioned a comprehensive array of rule modifications for the 99th Oscars, scheduled for 2027, addressing topics such as artificial intelligence, acting nominations, and the eligibility of international films.
The updates redefine the evaluation of performances, screenplays, and global submissions, incorporating new limits and broadened entry pathways across various categories.
Actors can now receive multiple nominations within the same category if their performances rank among the top five votes.
“This rule could have eased that fear, enabling Mescal to take the lead in his role as playwright William Shakespeare.”
The Academy has implemented more stringent guidelines regarding authorship, declaring that only screenplays written by humans will be eligible for nomination.
It stated that it would oversee the application of generative artificial intelligence and might ask for additional information regarding its usage in submitted films.
In the acting categories, only performances that are officially credited in film billing and executed by consenting humans will be considered eligible.
The modifications arise during an increasing industry discussion regarding the utilization of digital likenesses and AI-enhanced production methods, particularly in relation to ethical concerns and the impact on traditional acting roles.
The international feature category has been broadened, enabling several films from the same country to be eligible for nomination.
Films can now also gain entry through prestigious festival awards, including the Cannes Palme d’Or, Berlin Golden Bear, Venice Golden Lion, Sundance, Busan, and Toronto prizes.
This action is anticipated to expand access to films that are not chosen by national committees.
The Academy has revised credit rules, allowing nominated films to be listed on Oscar records instead of countries.
Additional updates feature a rise in casting awards from two to three statuettes, along with revised criteria for voting involvement in technical categories.
The Academy stated that all modifications aim to align with the evolving landscape of filmmaking while upholding standards related to authorship and creative control.
