Changes to rules for the Academy Awards have caused some confusion and controversy here in Australia since they were announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

My contacts in Hollywood tell me that there are good and bad elements in the new rules for individuals and films nominated for future Oscars. (below)

Notably, they are happy with the hard line being taken against the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in several categories.

The changes mean AI “actors” are ineligible for nomination in acting award categories and screenplay awards.

But in Australia the new anti-AI rule is being viewed with some scepticism in some quarters.

“While the aim of the new anti-AI rule is good in terms of protecting the work and skills of human actors, it may cause difficulties for some of our local actors,” an Australian film producer who wished to remain anonymous because he has never actually produced a film told me.

“I fear some Aussie actors, for instance Bryan Brown, may be ruled ineligible for an Oscar after being mistaken for an AI character.”

Another rule change causing chatter among the movie-making community is the addition of a new category for “best yelling” by an actor in a feature film.

My Hollywood source said the new award was already being viewed as a sop to veteran star Al Pacino.

“It gives Pacino the inside running to scoop the pool, not just at the next Oscars but at all future Academy Award ceremonies until he expires,” my source told me.

“Even then we won’t escape him because it will be hard to isolate a clip for the obligatory obituary segment in which he isn’t screaming his lungs out.” (main picture)

Oddly, the new category may well give some previously unlikely Australian nominees a shot at the new “best yelling” Oscar.

“We may well see a couple of our federal MPs walk away with an Oscar at future ceremonies,” my local industry source said.

“Provided they could sign up as a member of the Academy to ensure their eligibility, both Tasmania Senator, Jacqui Lambie, and Bob Katter Jr would have more than a good shot at taking home a golden statuette.”

Want to be alerted immediately a new blog hits Australia’s longest running and most offensive satire site? Simply click on the Follow sign to be emailed new yarns the moment they are uploaded! The very second we go far too far – and trust us we will – you can then quickly unfollow via the three dots!

Follow The Bug Online on WordPress.com