The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has approved updated rules for the 99th Academy Awards, covering films released between January 1 and December 31, 2026. The Board of Governors revised key categories, campaign regulations, and eligibility standards, while also formally defining oversight for generative AI.
The toughest change centers on authorship. The Academy has established that screenplays in writing categories must be written by humans, while acting nominations are now reserved exclusively for performances by living individuals, delivered with their consent and reflected in official billing. At the same time, the organization has retained the right to request additional details about the use of generative AI and the extent of human involvement.
In practice, the Academy has formalized scrutiny over the origin of creative work at a time when generative tools are moving deeper into the film industry. In a sector where AI already shapes post-production, visual effects, and screenwriting workflows, this marks a broader push to keep technology under strict, verifiable human oversight.
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