Brady Corbet’s film "The Brutalist" stirred controversy after it was revealed that AI technology was employed during postproduction to enhance the Hungarian dialogue of stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. While the integration of AI in filmmaking has raised concerns in Hollywood, particularly regarding job security, Corbet clarified that the technology did not alter the actors' performances. He noted that Brody and Jones worked extensively with a dialect coach to perfect their accents, and AI was only used for refining specific sounds in their Hungarian dialogue without modifying their English lines. Following its Golden Globe victories, including Best Dramatic Motion Picture and Best Director for Corbet, "The Brutalist" received nine BAFTA nominations, with Oscar nominations expected soon. AI's presence in film is not limited to this project; other Oscar contenders also utilized AI tools like Respeecher. The technology's growing use in Hollywood has ignited fears that it may replace certain roles, complicating discussions about the preservation of actors' artistic integrity.

Similar anxieties have arose in previous award cycles, for instance, with Natalie Portman’s role in "Black Swan, " where digital effects altered her dance scenes, and Michael Douglas’s portrayal in "Behind the Candelabra, " where VFX merged his performance with that of a musician. Performance capture and AI-driven VFX techniques are increasingly influencing performances, yet often without appropriate recognition during awards seasons. Notably, James Cameron defended the work of Zoe Saldana in "Avatar, " arguing that her contributions deserve as much acclaim as those of live-action actors, despite being portrayed as a CG character. AI’s use extends to applications like dubbing and automated dialogue replacement (ADR). For instance, Respeecher technology facilitates voice alterations, such as de-aging Mark Hamill's voice in "The Mandalorian. " Other companies, like Flawless, are focusing on ethical applications of AI, ensuring collaboration with industry guilds to maintain consent. As AI tools become more prevalent in the industry, the challenge for producers will be ensuring their use remains ethical and transparent.