Adrien Brody leads the pack in the race for top honors at the Academy Awards, surpassing his peers in betting predictions due to his exceptional performance in the acclaimed film “The Brutalist.” However, the 2025 Oscars are no stranger to controversy, and in the case of “The Brutalist,” the issue at hand is the use of artificial accents.
According to Red Shark News, director Brady Corbet and editor Dávid Jancsó employed artificial intelligence technology from Respeecher, a Ukrainian software company, to modify the Hungarian lines delivered by Adrien Brody and co-star Felicity Jones. Both actors received nominations for their portrayals of Hungarian immigrants, sparking discussions about the implications of awarding performances enhanced by AI.
Critics like Rachel Ho emphasize the significance of transparency in acknowledging the role of AI in shaping performances that may no longer solely reflect the actor’s own abilities. While Corbet clarified that only Hungarian lines were altered and that the actors extensively trained with a vocal coach for authenticity, the use of AI in filmmaking is becoming a prevalent trend.
Other Oscar-nominated films, such as “A Complete Unknown,” “Dune: Part Two,” and “Emilia Pérez,” have also integrated AI technologies in their production processes. The industry’s embrace of AI raises concerns about the potential impact on traditional acting methods and the need for clear guidelines on its use.
While the debate continues on whether AI-augmented performances should be recognized in prestigious awards like the Oscars, industry experts like Michael Forsey argue that technologies like ADR have long been utilized to enhance performances in post-production. The notion of AI disclosure in filmmaking is gaining traction, with calls for mandatory transparency to inform audiences about the extent of technology’s influence on cinematic performances.
Despite the controversy surrounding AI in film, the practice of leveraging technology to refine performances is evolving. As the industry navigates the intersection of art and technology, the debate over the ethical and creative implications of AI-enhanced performances is likely to persist.
