Anticipation for Oscar 2025 is reaching a fever pitch as fans and critics speculate on potential nominees. Predictions often lean on results from precursor awards like the Golden Globes, SAG, and BAFTA. One film gaining considerable attention is The Brutalist, a drama following Holocaust survivor László Tóth (Adrien Brody) as he rebuilds his life in America, becoming an architect while grappling with addiction and financial turmoil.
Despite modest box office returns, The Brutalist has received critical acclaim. The film won big at the Golden Globes and secured nominations from SAG and BAFTA, positioning it as a strong Oscar contender. However, recent revelations from its editor, Dávid Jancsó, have sparked controversy, potentially jeopardizing its award-season prospects.
Did AI Use Put The Brutalist at Risk for the 2025 Oscars?
Known for its striking architectural visuals and authentic Hungarian dialogue, The Brutalist reportedly employed generative AI in its production. Speaking to the media, Jancsó revealed that AI was used to refine Hungarian accents and enhance some architectural elements. He described the technology as a cost-effective and efficient solution after other methods fell short.
Jancsó explained:
“I’m a native Hungarian, and it’s one of the hardest languages to pronounce. Even though Adrien Brody has Hungarian heritage, mastering the nuances of the accent was challenging. The actors worked hard on intonation, and while ADR was attempted, it didn’t yield the precision we needed.
We eventually used AI to adjust minor pronunciation issues in post-production. It saved us significant time and kept us on schedule. As for the architectural designs, the AI-generated elements were brief—just a few seconds in the film’s final moments.”
Debate Erupts Over AI’s Role in Artistic Integrity
While Jancsó defended the decision as pragmatic, the revelation has polarized audiences. Many feel AI’s involvement undermines the artistic authenticity traditionally celebrated by the Oscars. Critics point to similar cases, such as Dune: Part Two losing eligibility for Best Original Score due to reused material, as evidence of the Academy’s strict standards.
Some argue that AI’s use, even minimally, could disqualify The Brutalist from categories like Best Picture. Opponents claim that AI tools exploit human creativity without compensation, making their use in a story about an architect particularly contentious.
Supporters counter that the AI-enhanced elements are insignificant, comprising only a fraction of the final product. They commend the filmmakers’ commitment to linguistic accuracy and argue the enhancements improve the viewer’s experience without detracting from the core performances or narrative.
What’s Next for The Brutalist and Its Oscar Hopes?
Before the controversy, The Brutalist was seen as a leading contender for several major categories, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Brady Corbet)
- Best Actor (Adrien Brody)
- Best Supporting Actor (Guy Pearce)
- Best Original Screenplay
- Best Production Design
- Best Cinematography
- Best Original Score
If backlash over AI use affects its chances, other contenders could benefit. For instance, Edward Berger’s Conclave, a religious thriller, might emerge as a frontrunner for Best Picture, while Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown could gain momentum in the Best Actor race.While the Academy has not yet commented, The Brutalist now faces an uphill battle, raising larger questions about the evolving role of AI in filmmaking and its impact on awards recognition.