How AI is Shaping the Future of Cinema: Oscar Nominations and Controversies

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AI in film is reshaping creativity and technology. Oscar nominations reflect this shift. / Picture ⓒ A24

AI’s Influence on Film Production: Revolutionizing Hollywood

The 2025 Academy Award nominations have introduced a significant shift in the film industry, as two films, The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, showcase the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. These movies have sparked a lively debate on the ethical and artistic implications of AI’s involvement in the creative process. Both films are nominated for several prestigious Oscars, highlighting how technology is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in cinema.

The Controversy Surrounding AI in Film

AI’s influence on modern filmmaking is undeniable, but its role has not come without controversy. The use of AI tools such as voice cloning and performance enhancement in The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez has generated significant discussion about whether AI can or should be used to alter performances, voice delivery, and even visuals. While some filmmakers argue that AI simply enhances human creativity, others fear it undermines traditional methods of acting and storytelling.

AI in The Brutalist: Enhancing Human Performance

The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, tells the story of a Hungarian-Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust. The film utilized AI to perfect Hungarian dialogue, with Respeecher, a voice cloning technology, ensuring accurate pronunciation. AI was also used to enhance the visual effects in pivotal scenes, allowing for greater authenticity without losing the essence of the original performance.

The director and editor have defended the use of AI as a tool that supports human creativity rather than replacing it. They argue that AI in The Brutalist was used strategically to improve certain aspects of the production while keeping the human element intact. The debate here centers on how much technology should be allowed to contribute to an actor’s portrayal, and whether this diminishes the art of acting itself.

Emilia Pérez: Pushing Boundaries with Voice Cloning

In Emilia Pérez, AI plays a central role in enhancing the vocal performance of lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón. The film, a musical about a transgender Mexican cartel leader, used AI voice cloning technology to blend Gascón's vocals with those of Camille, a French singer. This allowed for a seamless integration of musical elements, ensuring Gascón’s performance captured the emotional depth of the character.

The use of AI in Emilia Pérez has sparked its own set of controversies. Critics question whether AI-driven vocal enhancement truly reflects an actor’s authentic performance, or if it merely creates a digital version of their talents. Supporters argue that AI in this context helps the actor express emotions in ways they could not achieve naturally, making it a valuable tool in storytelling.

Oscar Nominations and the Future of AI in Cinema

Both The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez have earned multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor. However, the nominations are not solely due to their artistic merit but also their innovative use of AI technology. While the Academy has traditionally celebrated human achievement in filmmaking, these films highlight a growing shift toward recognizing technological contributions as part of the creative process.

The inclusion of AI-driven films in the Oscars poses several questions for the future of the industry. Should films heavily reliant on AI be treated differently from those created using traditional methods? The boundary between human creativity and technological enhancement is becoming increasingly blurred, raising concerns about the definition of originality in film.

AI’s Role in Editing and Sound: Transforming Film Production

One of the most significant ways AI has influenced modern filmmaking is through editing and sound design. In both The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, AI was used to streamline the editing process and improve sound quality. AI tools like automatic scene recognition and audio enhancement software can dramatically reduce post-production time and cost, allowing filmmakers to focus more on the artistic aspects of storytelling.

The use of AI in editing has made film production more efficient, but it also raises questions about the role of human editors in the process. While AI can assist in sorting through hours of footage and identifying key moments, it cannot replicate the nuanced understanding that human editors bring to storytelling. This creates a delicate balance between utilizing AI for technical purposes and preserving human creativity in the editing room.

The Ethics of AI in Filmmaking: Protecting Artists' Rights

As AI becomes a more integral part of film production, there are growing concerns about the ethical implications of its use. During the 2023 writers' and actors' strikes, many creatives voiced concerns about AI’s potential to replace human labor, particularly in areas like scriptwriting and acting. The fear is that AI could eventually be used to generate content without the need for human input, putting creators out of work.

In the context of The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, the use of AI has not led to job losses for actors or editors, but it does raise questions about intellectual property and the ownership of digital performances. For instance, when voice cloning technology is used, who owns the rights to the digitally recreated voice? These are important issues that Hollywood will need to address as AI becomes more entrenched in the filmmaking process.

Legal and Ethical Challenges of AI in Film

The rise of AI in Hollywood is forcing the industry to confront new legal and ethical challenges. From determining intellectual property rights for digital actors to ensuring transparency about the use of AI in films, the need for updated regulations is critical. If AI continues to expand its role in film production, it will require a robust framework to ensure that the rights of creators, performers, and other stakeholders are protected.

Looking Ahead: AI’s Impact on the Future of Filmmaking

The rapid advancement of AI technology is already reshaping the film industry, and this trend is likely to continue. As AI tools become more sophisticated, filmmakers will have even greater opportunities to push creative boundaries. From creating virtual actors to enhancing performances with AI-driven effects, the possibilities for AI in filmmaking are vast.

However, with these new opportunities come significant risks. As AI becomes a more dominant force in Hollywood, it will be crucial for the industry to find a balance between embracing technological advancements and preserving the artistic essence of cinema.

AI and the Academy: Rethinking Award Criteria

The 2025 Oscar nominations have brought the role of AI in filmmaking into sharp focus. As films like The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez gain recognition, the Academy may need to reconsider its award criteria. If AI continues to play a significant role in film production, it may become necessary to establish new categories or criteria to differentiate between human creativity and technological enhancements.

As AI becomes an increasingly integral part of filmmaking, it will be important for the Academy to adapt to these changes, ensuring that technological innovations are celebrated alongside traditional artistic achievements.

Summary:

AI’s role in filmmaking is transforming the industry, with films like The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez earning multiple Oscar nominations for their use of AI. While the technology offers significant benefits, it raises important ethical and creative questions. As AI continues to advance, the film industry must navigate the balance between technology and human creativity.

Q&A:

  1. What is AI’s role in film production? AI enhances various aspects of filmmaking, such as voice cloning, editing, and visual effects, improving efficiency and creativity.

  2. How does AI affect actors’ performances in films? AI tools like voice cloning and performance enhancement can refine and elevate actors’ performances, but they also raise questions about authenticity.

  3. Can AI replace human actors in filmmaking? While AI can enhance performances, it is not likely to fully replace human actors, as AI cannot replicate the emotional depth and authenticity of human acting.

  4. What are the ethical concerns surrounding AI in filmmaking? Ethical issues include concerns about job displacement, intellectual property rights, and the potential for AI to replace human creativity in storytelling.

  5. How are the Oscars adapting to the use of AI in filmmaking? The Academy is recognizing the growing role of AI in film production, and may need to update its award criteria to reflect technological contributions alongside human creativity.

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