The 2024 Academy Awards could serve as a pivotal moment for artificial intelligence’s role in Hollywood. Several films nominated for this year’s coveted golden statues incorporated AI in some way, sparking discussions about the technology’s future in the industry and the need for greater transparency.
Industry insiders are closely watching how the Oscars results will influence Hollywood’s embrace – or reluctance – of AI. The technology, which faced significant pushback during the 2023 strikes, has nonetheless become an undeniable presence in filmmaking.
“Tonight’s Oscars will be a turning point for AI use in Hollywood,” stated Warner Bailey, a former assistant at the WME talent agency, whose popular Instagram account, Assistants vs. Agents, has resonated with industry workers. In an interview, Bailey emphasized the importance of clear guidelines to protect “artistic integrity” and acknowledged that “AI isn’t going anywhere.”
AI’s Presence in Nominated Films
AI played roles in the creation of some of the year’s most prominent films. According to reports, AI enhanced Karla Sofía Gascón’s voice in “Emilia Pérez,” and machine learning helped create the striking blue eyes for the Fremen in “Dune: Part Two.” It also played a role in the post-production of “A Complete Unknown.”
In January, Dávid Jancsó, the editor of “The Brutalist,” revealed that AI aided in perfecting the lead actors’ Hungarian accents. This admission triggered scrutiny, forcing the director to clarify that AI was used exclusively for dialogue editing and that the filmmakers were dedicated to preserving actors’ performances.
These instances have prompted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to reportedly consider mandating disclosure of AI tool use in Oscars submissions. While the Academy has not yet commented, Variety reported that updated rules for the 2026 ceremony are expected to be released in April.
Robert Thompson, a professor at Syracuse University, told Business Insider that AI’s use in filmmaking could influence how films are judged. “Whoever is doing nominations or voting… is going to have to figure out if they have a zero tolerance for artificial intelligence,” he said. “Or they’re going to look at any performance that has artificial intelligence — which is going to be more and more as we go along — and make the judgment accordingly.”
The Call for Transparency
Many, including Bailey, believe that greater transparency regarding AI use is essential for the industry and filmgoers. “There’s a growing gray area in defining artistic contribution,” he explained. “Disclosing when and how AI was used doesn’t necessarily diminish a work’s value, but it does provide clarity for audiences, industry professionals, and award committees.”
AI Versus Traditional Technology
While Hollywood has a long history of embracing technology like green screens and CGI, AI is different. It has the potential to supplant more aspects of the creative process, something particularly relevant to the 2023 actors’ and writers’ strikes, which aimed to define parameters for AI’s use.
Despite those efforts, AI continues its advance. Production companies like Lionsgate, which partnered with AI media company Runway, are investing further. As a result, the 2024 Oscars may highlight not if Hollywood embraces AI, but rather how quickly it does so.
Even AI itself, as communicated by ChatGPT, acknowledges AI’s growing role but stresses the enduring importance of human creativity in moviemaking. “AI is already playing a growing role in various aspects of filmmaking, and it’s likely to be involved in nearly all movie productions in some capacity moving forward,” it stated. “Full automation of moviemaking is unlikely, as human creativity and artistic vision remain essential.”
