AI Controversy Clouds Oscars Buzz: ‘The Brutalist’ Faces Backlash

The 97th Academy Awards are fast approaching, and one of the leading contenders for Best Picture, Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist”, finds itself at the center of controversy. Recent revelations regarding the use of AI in the film’s production have ignited debates among film enthusiasts and industry professionals.

A Critical Darling Under Scrutiny

Hailed as one of the finest films of 2024, “The Brutalist” offers a poignant portrayal of fictional architect László Tóth, a Holocaust survivor who rebuilds his life in the United States. The film, produced by A24 Films and starring Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, has received widespread acclaim for its craftsmanship and storytelling.

However, comments made by editor Dávid Jancsó to Red Shark News over the weekend have overshadowed its artistic achievements. Jancsó revealed that AI was employed to refine the Hungarian accents of Brody and Jones, who underwent extensive training with dialect coach Tanera Marshall.

“Hungarian is an extremely unique language, and while they did a fabulous job, we used AI technology to perfect certain sounds so that not even locals could detect a difference,” Jancsó explained. The software Respeecher was used for this adjustment, ensuring authenticity without altering the actors’ performances.

Generative AI in the Spotlight

The controversy deepened when Jancsó disclosed that generative AI had been used to create architectural drawings and finished building designs featured in the film’s conclusion. Critics quickly pointed out the irony, given the film’s thematic celebration of art free from technological and capitalist influence.

In response, Corbet clarified the extent of AI’s role in the production. “Production designer Judy Decker did not use AI to create or render any buildings,” Corbet stated, emphasizing that the technology was only applied to make photos appear aged.

He further noted, “All images were hand-drawn by artists. The use of AI was limited to editing Hungarian dialogue and creating intentionally poor digital renderings for a specific shot.” Corbet defended the decision, highlighting the dedication of the cast and crew.

“Adrien and Felicity’s performances are completely their own. Respeecher was used solely to preserve the authenticity of their work in another language,” he said.

A Broader Debate on AI in Film

“The Brutalist” isn’t the only awards contender under fire for AI usage. Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez”, a Golden Globe-winning musical comedy, also faced criticism for employing Respeecher to enhance Karla Sofía Gascón’s vocal range. While celebrated for its innovative approach, the film has sparked intense discussions about AI’s role in artistry and representation.

The controversy underscores a larger industry concern. The 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes highlighted fears about AI’s potential to replicate or replace creative contributions. Though agreements now include safeguards, the debate over AI’s place in Hollywood continues to evolve.