AI at the Oscars: Hollywood’s Open Secret
Every Oscars season, Hollywood celebrates “human artistry” while quietly adopting whatever tech makes the deadline less terrifying. This year, artificial intelligence (AI) is the newest crew member – it doesn’t need a trailer, and it definitely won’t complain about craft-services hummus. The only catch? Nobody wants it walking the red carpet.
The Academy’s Neutral Stance
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has adopted a carefully neutral line regarding AI’s role in Oscar-eligible films. According to the Academy’s rules update, generative AI and other digital tools “neither help nor harm” a film’s chances at nomination, with branches judging the work based on “the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship.” The Ankler reports that productions aren’t required to disclose AI workflows, leading to a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy where campaigns decide what to reveal.
Acceptable AI Applications
The least controversial uses of AI in filmmaking involve tasks that enhance productivity without altering creative intent. These include dialogue cleanup, automated sound balancing, and stabilization in post-production. AI is increasingly used as a tool to help humans iterate, such as machine learning tools used for face replacement, facial performance modification and de-aging within an artist-driven workflow.
Fine-Tuning Performances
The film “The Brutalist” sparked discussion after it was revealed that AI voice technology was used to refine Hungarian pronunciations in post-production. Filmmakers emphasized that the AI did not replace the actor’s performance wholesale. The BBC notes that this example highlights the scrutiny that arises when AI touches vocal or facial performances, prompting questions about authorship.
Similarly, AI was used to enhance singing voices in “Emilia Pérez,” blending vocals to broaden a performer’s range. This apply of AI is comparable to auto-tune, accepted by many but requiring careful consideration of disclosure.
Controversial AI Applications
AI-Generated Content
Marvel’s “Secret Invasion” faced criticism for its AI-generated opening credits, which some viewed as automation of artists rather than a creative necessity. The Ankler points out that audiences are more tolerant of invisible AI but react negatively to “AI aesthetics.”
The indie horror film “Late Night With the Devil” also received attention following reports of AI-generated imagery, prompting clarifications from the filmmakers. Even limited use of generative imagery can attract significant media coverage.
Synthetic Voices in Nonfiction
The documentary “Roadrunner” about Anthony Bourdain drew criticism after it was revealed that AI was used to recreate his voice for a few lines. This raised ethical concerns about consent and viewer trust, particularly because documentaries are expected to be authentic creations.
AI and the Oscars Telecast
There is no public indication that the Oscars telecast will feature generative AI on air. Although, machine learning is likely used in the broadcast’s infrastructure, particularly for accessibility features like live captions, live audio description, and an ASL livestream on YouTube. The BBC reports that the captioning industry is evolving towards AI-supported systems with human oversight.
The Future of AI in Hollywood
For now, AI remains Hollywood’s open secret: prevalent in the workflow but rarely acknowledged publicly. The most successful applications keep humans at the center of the creative process, using AI as a tool. The Academy’s current stance suggests that AI will be accepted as long as it supports, rather than replaces, human artistry. If AI wins anything this year, it’ll be Best Supporting Tool: always there, never thanked and absolutely not invited to the after-party.