The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has enacted a landmark policy for the 99th Academy Awards, effectively banning artificial intelligence-generated content from competing in major award categories. The new rules, announced on July 8, 2026, mandate that only works clearly created by humans will be eligible for Oscars, marking a decisive industry response to what many call an existential threat from AI.
Key Provisions: Protecting Human Creativity
According to an Academy Board of Governors statement reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the revised regulations stipulate that only “performances clearly performed by humans” qualify for nomination in acting categories. In the writing categories, only scripts entirely authored by humans will be considered for Oscars. The Academy also reserves the right to require detailed disclosure of any AI usage in submitted films, ensuring that “human authorship” remains the standard for eligibility.
The move comes amid rising anxiety over AI's displacement of creative professionals. In 2024, actor-producer Tyler Perry halted an $800 million expansion of his Atlanta studio complex after witnessing OpenAIs Sora video generator, warning of widespread job losses among actors, editors, and sound professionals. “We need some form of regulation to protect us,” Perry said at the time. “Otherwise, I just don't see how we survive.” The new Oscar rules now provide the regulatory shield Perry and other industry leaders have long advocated for.
International Film Rule Changes
Beyond AI restrictions, the Academy has also abolished the long-standing “one country, one film” rule for the International Feature Film category. Countries may now submit multiple films for consideration. Additionally, works that win top prizes at major festivals including Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Sundance, Toronto, and Busan will automatically qualify for Oscar consideration without needing local committee selection. The Oscar itself will be awarded in the name of the director rather than the country. Had the change been in effect earlier, Norway's film Sentimental Value would have credited director Joachim Trier directly.
Industry Reaction and Broader Implications
The creative community has largely welcomed the Academy's stance. The Writers Guild of America praised the move as “essential for preserving human storytelling.” Senator Bernie Sanders also weighed in, reiterating concerns about AI's existential risks and emphasizing that technology must serve humanity, not threaten its survival. Analysts suggest the Oscars' hard line could set a precedent for other award shows and creative sectors worldwide, accelerating calls for regulation of AI-generated content.