a new era for cinema

In recent years, the use of intelligenza artificiale (AI) in the field of cinema has revolutionized the rules and methods of awarding the Oscars.

From automated editing to realistic generation of voices and images, the possibilities offered by these technologies have multiplied. Now, a further historic step has been confirmed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences: films made with the support of AI can be nominated for the Oscars in all categories. It is a turning point that opens new scenarios and, inevitably, sparks discussion.

The update of the Academy Awards regulations: is AI cinema ready for the Oscars?

In view of the upcoming edition of the Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has significantly updated the regulations governing the eligibility of films. On the recommendation of the Science and Technology Council, an internal body of the organization, it has been established that even films using artificial intelligence tools can participate in the competitions, provided that some fundamental parameters are respected.

It is not an indiscriminate opening to technology, but a regulation that recognizes the evolution of cinema without setting aside its founding principles. The pivot remains the centrality of intervento creativo umano.

No penalties, no favoritism for AI in cinema

The use of intelligenza artificiale in creative processes, such as voice-cloning (the artificial reproduction of actors’ voices) or automatic image generation, will not entail advantages or disadvantages for the admission or final evaluation of a film. The Academy emphasizes that all projects will be evaluated with the same artistic and technical criteria, regardless of whether they were created entirely by humans or with the support of intelligenza artificiale generativa.

The message is clear: technological innovation is allowed, but it must not replace the decision-making and creative role of the people involved in the creation of the work.

The key role of human contribution

What remains essential, according to the new regulation, is that the human component continues to represent the beating heart of the artistic process. In other words, even if artificial intelligence is used to develop a scene or modulate a vocal tone, there must always be an author, director, screenwriter, or technician responsible for the conception, supervision, and approval of the generated content.

The evaluation of the works nominated for the Oscars will therefore continue to carefully examine the human contribution in every phase of the creative process. This means that the use of AI cannot and should not become a simple “autopilot” of art. The Academy warns against any automation that shifts the balance from human talent to the algorithmic tool.

A decision born of the times

This change to the regulation does not occur in a vacuum but is part of an ongoing debate among industry professionals, unions, film studios, and cultural institutions. The increase in the use of generative AI has raised profound questions both ethically and economically: who is the true author of content created with AI? What legal and moral rights do industry workers have now that many of their skills can be replicated by a machine?

The position of the Academy seeks to reconcile two essential needs: on one hand, recognizing that technology is now an integral part of film production; on the other, preserving the centrality of genio umano, which has always been the driving force of cinematic creativity.

All categories remain open

One of the most significant aspects of this innovation is that the admission of films made with the aid of AI will not be limited to certain technical or experimental categories, but will be extended to all Oscar categories. This means that a work created also thanks to artificial intelligence can compete for Best Picture, Best Director, acting performances, and even for some of the awards more traditionally linked to the human touch, such as Best Screenplay or Editing.

This is a considerable step, paving the way for new forms of experimentation and a conception of cinema that integrates different languages and means, hybridizing the technological dimension with the narrative one. On the other hand, however, there is the risk of distorting the figure of the author, unless solid ethical and creative boundaries are maintained, like those outlined by the Academy.

A challenge for the future of cinema

The decision made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences represents a turning point destined to leave a mark. The world of cinema is facing an epochal challenge: embracing the potential offered by artificial intelligence without losing touch with its artistic and cultural roots.

It is likely that in the coming years we will increasingly witness the presence of films made with cutting-edge technological tools, and that the quality of these productions will increase in proportion to technical evolution. However, the concept reiterated by the new regulation remains central: human creativity is irreplaceable, and its value will continue to guide the choices of the Academy.

In this new era, cinema is called to demonstrate that it can evolve without ceasing to excite, engage, and tell deep stories. Even if machines are building the images, it must be humans who give them soul and meaning.