AI and the Oscars: A Hollywood Dilemma
Last night, Conan O'Brien hosted the 2025 Oscars, and, naturally, AI was a hot topic. During his opening monologue, Conan quipped, "We did not use AI to make this show!" This playful jab highlighted the ongoing debate about AI's growing role in Hollywood, sparked by the recent success (and controversy) surrounding the film "The Brutalist."
The Brutalist: An AI-Fueled Firestorm
“The Brutalist,” which snagged three Oscars (Best Actor, Cinematography, and Original Score), found itself at the center of controversy last month. Film editor Dávid Jancsó revealed that they used Respeecher, an AI voice generator, to fine-tune Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones' Hungarian dialogue. The goal? To make it sound more authentic. But the revelation ignited a fierce online debate, with some arguing that the film should have been disqualified.
Director Brady Corbet defended the use of AI, stating it wasn't used to enhance performances but to "refine certain vowels and letters for accuracy." It raises a vital question: Where do we draw the line?
"Emilia Pérez" Joins the Conversation
Interestingly, "Emilia Pérez," another Oscar winner, also faced scrutiny for using Respeecher. In this case, the software was used to broaden actress Karla Sofía Gascón's vocal range and blend her voice with French singer Camille. This further fuels the discussion about the ethical and artistic implications of AI in film.
The Bigger Picture: AI and the Future of Hollywood
The debate surrounding AI in Hollywood isn't new. Concerns about job displacement have been brewing for years. AI was a key point of contention during the Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America strikes in 2023, as both unions fought to protect their members from the potential impact of AI on their livelihoods.
Academy's Response: Transparency is Key?
The Motion Picture Academy currently allows filmmakers to disclose AI use in their submissions. However, in light of the "Brutalist" drama, there's talk of making this disclosure mandatory. This move would promote transparency and potentially influence how films using AI are perceived and judged.
The integration of AI into filmmaking is a rapidly evolving landscape. Whether it's used for subtle dialogue enhancements or more significant artistic interventions, the industry is grappling with how to navigate this new frontier. The Oscars controversy surrounding "The Brutalist" and "Emilia Pérez" highlights the complexities and the need for ongoing dialogue about the responsible and ethical use of AI in film.
Source: TechCrunch