Producer Defends AI Use in ‘The Brutalist’ at the Oscars
By Antonia Blyth, Anthony D’Alessandro
March 2, 2025
Film producer D.J. Gugenheim, a nominee for his work on “The Brutalist,” addressed the controversy surrounding the film’s use of artificial intelligence at the 97th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Gugenheim was among the producers recognized by the Academy after a rigorous determination process.
U.S. film producer D.J. Gugenheim attends the 97th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 2, 2025. ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
When asked about director Brady Corbet’s comments regarding his lack of personal financial gain from the film, Gugenheim explained the realities of independent filmmaking. “The truth of the matter, is that it takes so many years to make these films,” he said. “When you’re making an independent film, there’s only so much money you can pay to make it; you ultimately do invest your money, your own life resources to get it made, and it’s challenging.”
Deadline’s report noted that Corbet deferred his directing fee, contributing to his comments on the “WTF Marc Maron” podcast. However, “The Brutalist,” with a worldwide gross of $41.3 million, is set to become profitable. Corbet is part of a back-end deal, meaning he will benefit from the film’s success during awards season.
Regarding the film’s integration of AI to enhance actors’ Hungarian accents, Gugenheim defended the practice: “We’re trusting the actors and the creatives and the talent to make a film. So, if no one is losing a job, and you’re making the best version of the product, that’s when you’re using a tool.” He added that the editor did not hide the film’s AI usage. Gugenheim addressed the Academy’s inquiry into AI usage, stating, “The problem I think with AI is when we take away a job… The Academy is now asking if AI is being used, I say that’s great. There’s no problem with that and you shouldn’t use AI to take away from a job, for sure.”
“The Academy is now asking if AI is being used, I say that’s great. There’s no problem with that and you shouldn’t use AI to take away from a job, for sure.”
