The glitz and glamor of awards season has taken on a new battleground as artificial intelligence (AI) emerges at the forefront of this year’s Oscar race. In a surprising twist, two leading contenders—The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez—have openly revealed their use of AI voice cloning technology to enhance actors’ performances, igniting a fierce debate over the role of AI in filmmaking.
Voice Cloning Sparks Controversy
In an interview with moving-image tech publication Red Shark News, The Brutalist editor Dávid Jancsó disclosed that the production employed AI software developed by Respeecher, a Ukraine-based company, to perfect the Hungarian dialogue spoken by lead actors Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. Jancsó, who provided his own voice as a reference, emphasized the careful process of preserving the actors’ performances while enhancing the authenticity of the language.
We were very careful about keeping their performances. It’s mainly just replacing letters here and there … We had so much dialogue in Hungarian that we really needed to speed up the process otherwise we’d still be in post.
– Dávid Jancsó, Editor of The Brutalist
Similarly, the trans gangster musical Emilia Pérez utilized Respeecher to blend the singing voice of lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón with that of French pop star Camille, who co-wrote the film’s score. This revelation has further fueled the AI debate within the film industry.
The Anti-AI Stance
On the other hand, the horror film Heretic, starring Hugh Grant, has taken a firm anti-AI stance. The movie’s end credits prominently feature the message: “No generative AI was used in the making of this film,” highlighting the growing divide in Hollywood over the use of AI technologies.
AI at the Heart of Industry Strikes
The ongoing actors’ and writers’ strikes in Hollywood were partially triggered by concerns over AI’s potential to disrupt the industry. The strikes have resulted in settlements that include “guardrails” against the use of AI in script generation, while a strike by video game actors over voice replication remains unresolved.
AI’s Impact on the Oscars Race
As the final Oscar nominations approach, the revelations of AI usage in The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez have cast uncertainty over their prospects. Adrien Brody, a strong contender for Best Actor after winning the Golden Globe, and Karla Sofía Gascón, potentially the first out trans actress to be nominated for Best Actress, find themselves at the center of this AI controversy.
A New Era of Filmmaking
The integration of AI in the filmmaking process has sparked a broader conversation about the future of cinema. While some embrace the technology as a tool to enhance performances and streamline production, others view it as a threat to the authenticity and human essence of the art form.
People mistakenly think AI is a technological advance like [the] automobile when in fact it’s a virus driven by a hyperbolic curve.
– Paul Schrader, Filmmaker
As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how the Academy and the film industry at large will navigate this uncharted territory. Will the use of AI in The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez impact their chances at the Oscars? Or will the powerful performances and compelling storytelling transcend the technological controversies?
The Future of AI in Film
As the film industry grapples with the implications of AI, it is clear that this powerful technology is here to stay. The challenge lies in finding a balance between embracing innovation and preserving the human touch that makes cinema such a captivating art form.
The AI controversies surrounding The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez have undoubtedly added a new layer of intrigue to this year’s awards season. As the Oscars approach, all eyes will be on how the Academy and the industry at large respond to this evolving landscape. One thing is certain: the battle over AI in filmmaking has only just begun.
