The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has, for the first time, introduced rules addressing the use of artificial intelligence in films for the 2027 Oscars, while also expanding eligibility for international entries.
Announcing updated guidelines on Friday, the Academy said AI tools will not be banned but stressed that human creativity must remain central to any film’s eligibility.
Under the new rules, the use of AI “neither helps nor harms” a film’s chances of getting nominated. However, voters will consider how much human input was involved in the creative process when selecting nominees and winners.
“Humans have to be at the center of the creative process,” said Lynette Howell Taylor, adding that the organisation will continue reviewing its approach as technology evolves.
In acting categories, only performances clearly carried out by human actors, with their consent, will be eligible. The Academy said it will review cases involving AI-generated performances individually.
The rules are stricter for writing categories, stating that screenplays must be written by humans to qualify.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer said the updates reflect ongoing changes in filmmaking and the growing influence of AI across the industry.
The Academy also announced major reforms to the international feature film category, which has long faced criticism over fairness and political influence.
Films that win top awards at major festivals — including the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival, the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival and key prizes at Toronto International Film Festival — will now be eligible for Oscar consideration even if they are not officially submitted by their home countries.
Additional qualifying festivals include Berlin International Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival.
This change means films like ‘It Was Just an Accident’ by Iranian director Jafar Panahi could qualify based on festival success rather than national selection.
The Academy also said international films will now be recognised by their titles rather than the countries submitting them, with awards presented directly to filmmakers. Directors’ names will be included on Oscar plaques.
In another change, actors will now be allowed to receive multiple nominations in the same acting category for different performances in the same year, aligning with rules already applied in other categories.
The organisation also clarified rules for original songs, saying tracks used in end credits must begin before the credits roll and overlap with at least the final 15 seconds of the film to qualify.
Officials said the updates are part of ongoing efforts to modernise the Oscars and reflect the increasingly global and technology-driven film industry.