The 98th Academy Awards are officially underway today, March 15, 2026, and the industry is keeping a close eye on more than just the red carpet. This year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is implementing specific guidelines regarding the use of generative AI in film production. These rules, finalized in April and May 2025, ensure that the human spirit of cinema remains the focus of the competition.

According to the Academy, the degree of human authorship is the deciding factor for eligibility. While filmmakers are permitted to use AI-assisted tools during production, these technologies will neither help nor harm a film’s chances for a nomination. The core creative elements of any nominated work must be the product of human creators to qualify for a nomination in any category.

The Board of Governors established these standards to prevent purely machine-generated content from dominating the race. By emphasizing human contribution, the Academy aims to protect individual artists and traditional filmmaking crafts. Even as technology from companies like OpenAI and Adobe evolves, the organization insists that only human individuals can be credited for achievements during the ceremony.