"The Brutalist" faces backlash for AI use as Adrien Brody eyes Oscars

"The Brutalist," starring Adrien Brody, is at the center of a heated debate over its use of AI technology, just weeks before the 97th Academy Awards.

The controversy began when editor Dávid Jancsó revealed in an interview that generative AI tools were used in the film.

Jancsó admitted to employing Respeecher, a vocal AI program, to refine Brody’s Hungarian accent and utilizing MidJourney to conceptualize buildings for a sequence near the film's conclusion. While the designs were redrawn by an artist before being included in the movie, the use of AI has reignited concerns about diminishing human involvement in filmmaking.

Critics argue that such practices blur the line between creative enhancement and replacing traditional artistry. Comparisons were also drawn to Selena Gomez’s AI-assisted vocals in Emilia Perez, which faced criticism for lacking authenticity.

With Brody and "The Brutalist" positioned as frontrunners for this year's Oscars, this controversy could impact their chances. Industry insiders are debating whether AI tools should be considered “performance-enhancing,” potentially undermining Brody’s portrayal of a Holocaust survivor and architect.

Jancsó’s timing, during the peak of awards season, has sparked speculation about motives, with some suggesting it could affect Brody’s competition.

As the Academy grapples with the ethical implications of AI in Hollywood, "The Brutalist" has unintentionally become a focal point in the broader conversation about balancing technology and human creativity. Whether this will impact the film’s Oscar prospects remains to be seen.