AI is taking the Oscars by storm

It’s awards season in Hollywood – and instead of debating over which A-lister was snubbed, one of this year’s biggest controversies centers around how the Academy should consider AI usage.

Let’s rewind: AI has been a major buzzword for several years in the film industry, with the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes in large part revolving around ethical AI use. While all parties involved agreed on conditions for productions that use generative AI and digital replicas of performers, questions over how freely studios can utilize AI with already-shot content was left unresolved.

Which brings us to the 2025 Oscars: Several of the top nominated films – The Brutalist, Emilia Pérez, and Maria – all openly utilized AI to alter and perfect the accents and voices of their actors. The Brutalist also used AI to supplement some visuals in the film's ending sequence.

• Those in favor of AI touchups claim it speeds up the post-production process and provides filmmakers with effective editing tools.
• Opponents have called the films’ AI usage a “disgrace” that avoids paying visual artists for their work, and changes a fundamental aspect of acting.

👀 Looking ahead…The Academy Awards are scheduled for March 2.