Humans Only
Seedream 4.5: Curt Doty
Hollywood finally did what Hollywood always does when new tech shows up: panic first, regulate second.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially drawn a line in the sand, announcing that AI-generated actors and AI-written screenplays will not be eligible for Oscar consideration. The new rules require performances to be “demonstrably performed by humans with their consent,” while screenplays must be “human-authored.”
And honestly? That’s probably the right move.
Not because AI should be banned outright — it shouldn’t — but because filmmaking is still fundamentally a human art form. There will never be a fully virtual actor walking up on stage to accept an Academy Award. At least, not if audiences still care about authenticity, struggle, charisma, and the beautifully messy thing called humanity.
What’s interesting is that the Golden Globe Awards took a far more nuanced approach. Their new rules don’t automatically disqualify films using AI. Instead, they focus on whether the “human creative direction, artistic judgment, and authorship remain primary throughout the production process.”
That’s the sweet spot.
AI should be treated like CGI, Photoshop, Pro Tools, or motion capture — a tool, not the auteur. If AI helps clean up dialogue, assist with dubbing, generate temp visuals, or streamline post-production workflows, fine. We’ve already seen this hybrid approach in films like The Brutalist, where AI-assisted voice enhancement sparked controversy despite the performances remaining deeply human.
The bigger issue now is transparency.
Filmmakers should absolutely disclose where AI was used and, more importantly, prove the human contribution behind the work. That’s where the conversation should live — not in fearmongering about robots replacing Spielberg. As I’ve written before, AI works best when it empowers creatives instead of replacing them.
Because let’s be real: audiences don’t fall in love with algorithms. They fall in love with stories, performances, imperfections, and perspective. AI can assist the brushstroke, but humans still paint the masterpiece.
For now, the Oscars are protecting the artist. The Golden Globes are embracing the tool. And somewhere in the middle is probably where Hollywood’s AI future actually lives.
Sources:
https://ew.com/golden-globes-awards-changes-artificial-intelligence-11969723?utm_source=chatgpt.com
About The Author
Curt Doty is a former studio executive and award-winning creative director with deep leadership experience across the entertainment and branding industries. Ten years in Television. Ten Years in Movies.
As the founder of CurtDoty.co, a creative consultancy, Curt has led integrated marketing, multi-channel storytelling, branding, identity, and user experience initiatives for a diverse roster of clients.
Over the past 15 years, Curt has leaned into innovation—leading R&D projects at Apple, Toshiba, and Microsoft, and pioneering interactive content.
Today, Curt’s work also explores the intersection of AI and entertainment. A sought-after fractional leader (CCO, CMO), speaker, and AI educator, he focuses on demystifying AI for creatives and executives alike.
Curt recently launched the CLOWD AI Film Festival. Check it out here and be part of this growing community.
Curt is a sought after public speaker having been featured at Mobile Growth Association, Mobile World Congress, App Growth Summit, Promax, CES, CTIA, NAB, NATPE, MMA Global, New Mexico Angels, PRSA, EntrepeneursRx, Digital Hollywood, SHRM, Streaming Media NYC, and Davos Worldwide. Download his speaker presskit here.
Through public speaking, keynotes and podcasts, Curt is continuing his role as a visionary voice in the future of creativity. He is now a board member of The Human AI Innovation Commons, Encoding Equity Into AI-Generated Prosperity. A framework for ensuring the innovations arising from Human – AI collaborations benefit humanity broadly, not just corporate shareholders.
