The changes stipulate that only human performers can be recognised, while screenplays must be written by people rather than generated by AI. “In the Acting category, only roles credited in the film’s legal billing and demonstrably performed by humans with their consent will be considered eligible,” the Academy said. “In the Writing categories, the rules codify that screenplays must be human-authored to be eligible.”

The announcement follows the unveiling of a digital recreation of the late Val Kilmer, who appeared in a trailer for the film As Deep as the Grave a year after his death. The project, supported by his family, used archival footage to depict the actor at different stages of his life.

AI remains a contentious issue in Hollywood, having been central to the 2023 strikes, when actors and writers warned of risks to their livelihoods.

The Academy has also revised rules for the best international feature category. Previously, only films submitted by national bodies were eligible, posing difficulties for directors working under restrictive regimes.