The excitement for the 2025 Oscar nominations has reached a fever pitch, as the film “Emilia Pérez,” a popular Netflix narco-musical, secured a remarkable 13 nominations, becoming the most nominated non-English language film to date. At the same time, this year’s nominations have also ignited discussions around the use of artificial intelligence in Hollywood, with both “Emilia Pérez” and another contender, “The Brutalist,” facing scrutiny for their AI applications in filmmaking. Fans, celebrities, and critics alike are now questioning the role AI plays in creative processes, making this an awards season like no other.
Groundbreaking Nominations
Leading the list of nominees, “Emilia Pérez” is not only competing for the prestigious Best Picture award but is also recognized for its direction, writing, and standout performances. Notably, Karla Sofía Gascón achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first openly transgender actor to receive an Oscar nomination, marking a significant moment for representation in the film industry. To add to the competitive spirit, other major films like “Wicked” and “The Brutalist” also shined, each snagging impressive 10 nominations.
- “Emilia Pérez” receives 13 Oscar nominations, becoming the most nominated non-English language film.
- Karla Sofía Gascón’s nomination marks the first openly trans actor nominated for an Oscar.
- Wicked and The Brutalist each received 10 nominations.
- The ceremony experienced a postponement due to significant wildfires in Los Angeles but will take place as planned, symbolizing resilience in the industry.
- Several unexpected films, including “I’m Still Here” and “Nickel Boys,” surprised audiences with multiple nominations.
AI in the Spotlight
The conversation around AI in filmmaking has become a key focus this awards season. Both “Emilia Pérez” and “The Brutalist” have confirmed the use of AI technology to enhance actors’ performances. For example, Respeecher’s AI voice-cloning technology was utilized to improve dialogue and vocal performances, allowing directors to adjust the accents and tones for a more polished final product. This technique, although innovative, has raised ethical questions about the essence of acting and the possible replacement of human creativity.
Brady Corbet, the director of “The Brutalist,” defended the use of AI, stating that it was employed only to refine the actors’ performances without compromising their individuality. Meanwhile, many artists worry that reliance on AI could diminish the rich, personal touch that comes with traditional filmmaking, raising concerns about authenticity in storytelling.
Industry Response to AI’s Growing Influence
The recent actors’ and writers’ strikes signal the industry’s concern for AI’s growing role in filmmaking. Negotiations included measures to regulate AI’s use in creative processes, aimed at protecting the rights and jobs of writers and actors. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has voiced its apprehensions regarding the use of copyrighted material in machine learning models, calling for clear regulations to safeguard artistic creations.
Despite the controversies, some filmmakers view AI as a tool that can help democratize the filmmaking process. Directors like Scott Mann champion the use of AI technologies that enhance creativity, believing they could provide new avenues for storytelling. The divide in opinions underscores the challenges faced as the industry navigates this new landscape.
Table of Key Nominations
| Film | Nominations | Notable Mention |
|---|---|---|
| Emilia Pérez | 13 | Karla Sofía Gascón for Best Actress |
| Wicked | 10 | – |
| The Brutalist | 10 | AI usage controversy |
| I’m Still Here | Multiple | – |
| Nickel Boys | Multiple | – |
As the Oscars approach, the discussions surrounding the nominations and the effect of AI in film will only intensify. Fans and industry experts alike are eager to see how these groundbreaking films will be received on the big night, and whether the controversies will influence the outcome of the awards.