As JoBlo himself put it when he saw this news, “Kinda goes without saying, but I guess someone had to say it.” The organizers behind the Golden Globe awards have confirmed that performances by AI-generated actors will not be eligible for Golden Globes. It was also recently confirmed that AI performances have been ruled out of contention for the Oscars.
New guidelines state that “performances that have used artificial intelligence to enhance an actor” will not be automatically disqualified for Golden Globe consideration, as long a “live human” is the main element in the performance.
Organizers said, “Submissions in which a performance is substantially generated or created by artificial intelligence are not eligible. The use of AI for technical or cosmetic enhancements (such as de-aging, aging, or visual modifications) may be permissible, provided the underlying performance remains that of the credited individual and AI does not replace or materially alter the performer’s work.“
This goes along with the rules that were recently put in place by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the Oscars, which state that only real human performers are eligible for awards. They will also not give awards to screenplays that have been written by AI rather than a person.
Of course, there are already AI actors in use. An AI actress named Tilly Norwood got a lot of press last year. Created through the use of over 10 different AI tools, she reportedly had Hollywood talent agents clamoring to represent her.
We’re already starting to see AI performances with familiar faces, too. Check out the trailer embedded above, which shows that the late Val Kilmer has been resurrected via AI for a role in the upcoming film As Deep As the Grave, a project that’s being made with the full support of Kilmer’s family.
More and more AI performances are likely to be used in films going forward – but whether the AI performer is Tilly Norwood, something with the likeness of Val Kilmer, or a different character, they won’t be eligible for Golden Globes or Oscars.