The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is reportedly considering implementing stricter disclosure guidelines for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in films, following the controversy surrounding The Brutalist, which has been nominated for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars. According to Variety, starting from the 2026 awards season, filmmakers may be required to reveal whether and how AI was used in their projects, sparking widespread debate about the future of AI in the entertainment industry.
The controversy arose when it was revealed that The Brutalist utilized AI in its post-production stage to enhance certain performances. The film, directed by Brady Corbet, features a star-studded cast, including Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce. Reports suggested that AI tools were used to refine the pronunciation of specific syllables and vowels in the Hungarian language, a detail that initially went unnoticed but later fueled a larger discussion on the ethical and artistic implications of AI in filmmaking.
While The Brutalist may be at the center of the debate, it is far from the only film that has incorporated AI into its production process. Other high-profile films, including Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated Dune: Part Two, Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Perez, and James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown have also reportedly used AI tools to enhance visual effects, dubbing, or other elements of post-production. The growing prevalence of AI in Hollywood has led to increasing concerns over transparency, authenticity, and the potential displacement of human labor, especially in areas like visual effects, voiceovers, and even scriptwriting.
The Academy’s potential move to enforce disclosure rules aligns with ongoing discussions in the industry about the ethical use of AI and its long-term consequences. With AI tools becoming more sophisticated, some industry professionals fear that their unchecked use could undermine traditional craftsmanship in filmmaking. There is also growing concern among actors, screenwriters, and voice artists about AI-generated performances, particularly after last year’s Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes, where concerns over AI replacing human jobs were a major point of contention.
If the new regulations are implemented, they could set a precedent for other major film festivals and awards bodies worldwide, ensuring that AI-driven enhancements are fully disclosed and that the Academy maintains the integrity of artistic achievements. While AI has the potential to revolutionize filmmaking by making post-production more efficient and cost-effective, industry experts argue that transparency is key in distinguishing human creativity from algorithmic intervention.
As discussions continue, the broader question remains: How much AI influence is too much, and where should the industry draw the line? The Oscars' potential policy change is a significant step toward shaping the future of cinema in an era where artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly powerful tool in storytelling, production, and visual artistry.
