Oscars Ban AI Scripts: Indian Writers Cheer

The Academy Awards, preparing for its 99th ceremony in 2027, has established new eligibility rules that firmly place human creativity at the forefront. These updated guidelines, announced recently, explicitly state that screenplays must be authored by individuals, excluding AI-generated content. Acting performances must also be confirmed as human endeavors with consent.

Prominent figures from India's film industry, including lyricists Gulzar and Javed Akhtar, and director Zoya Akhtar, have reacted positively to the Academy's decision. Gulzar highlighted the universal nature of human emotion in cinema, while Akhtar drew a parallel to sports, questioning the fairness of machine versus human competition. Zoya Akhtar expressed a desire for comparable protections within India's own creative sectors.

Juhi Chaturvedi, a screenwriter, noted that the Academy's stance acknowledges the deeply personal and experiential nature of writing, arguing that AI, being fed information rather than living experiences, cannot replicate this human quality. Conversely, screenwriter Niren Bhatt views AI as a currently limited tool, suggesting that such stringent rules might be premature until AI capabilities significantly advance.

The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled for March 14, 2027. Nominations are slated for announcement on January 21, 2027, with the new rules set to influence submissions starting in 2027.