The Oscars have opened the door to films made with the help of artificial intelligence. In a move that aligns with the changing times in the film industry, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed that movies using AI tools can still qualify for top awards, but there’s a catch.
According to new rules released this week, the use of AI won’t automatically boost or reduce a film’s chance of earning a nomination. What matters most, the Academy said, is the extent of human creativity involved in the process. The message is clear: technology can assist, but it can’t replace the heart of a story, the people who tell it.
The announcement follows growing discussion around how AI is being used in cinema. At this year’s Oscars, The Brutalist made headlines when it was revealed that AI had been used to fine-tune actor Adrien Brody’s Hungarian accent. Brody won Best Actor for the role. Similarly, Emilia Pérez, which helped Zoe Saldaña win Best Supporting Actress, used voice-enhancing software for its musical performances.
The Academy now allows AI in filmmaking—so long as the storytelling remains human-led
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These examples show how AI is being quietly used behind the scenes, not to write full scripts or generate characters from scratch, but to polish performances in subtle ways. While some in the industry see this as a helpful tool, others worry it could threaten jobs or artistic control.
Concerns over AI were front and centre during the 2023 Hollywood strikes. Writers and actors pushed back against the growing use of generative tools that could mimic voices, faces or even write full scenes. Actress Susan Sarandon warned of the dangers of being digitally manipulated without consent. And screenwriters feared studios would turn to software like ChatGPT for scripts and ideas to cut costs.
The Academy backs tech use—but keeps the spotlight on human creatorsiStock
As part of the agreements that ended the strikes, new guardrails were put in place to limit how AI can be used in creative work. Even so, the debate continues. Some, like animator Jonathan Kendrick, believe AI still lacks the emotional depth to craft stories that truly resonate. “It’s like asking a robot to write poetry,” he said. “You might get the structure, but not the soul.”
For now, the Oscars are acknowledging the reality of a changing industry but making it clear that recognition still belongs to the humans behind the magic.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.