AI Actors and Scripts Are Officially Banned From the Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has updated its rules for the 99th Oscars to explicitly exclude AI-generated actors and screenplays. The new regulations require that any acting performance submitted for Oscar consideration must be performed by a human, and any screenplay must be authored by a human. The decision was announced on May 4, 2026, as part of a broader update to eligibility criteria.

Performances created using AI tools — such as voice synthesis, deepfake technology, or fully AI-generated characters — are disqualified. Similarly, scripts written by AI language models are not permitted. The Academy stated that the rule is intended to 'preserve the integrity of the craft' and ensure that awards recognize human creativity and skill.

The move comes amid increasing industry focus on the use of generative AI in film production. While the ban covers acting and writing, it does not extend to other areas such as visual effects, sound design, or editing, where AI tools remain widely used. The 99th Oscars ceremony is scheduled for early 2027, and the rule applies to films released during the eligibility period.