Brady Corbet’s latest film, The Brutalist, has captivated audiences with its grand narrative, stunning cinematography, and ambitious runtime. However, alongside its artistic praise, the film has sparked controversy over its use of artificial intelligence—specifically, AI-modulated voice performances. This revelation places The Brutalist at the center of a growing debate in Hollywood about the role of AI in filmmaking.
With AI-generated elements becoming more prevalent across the industry, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is now considering stricter disclosure rules regarding AI usage in film production. According to Variety, machine learning tools have been increasingly implemented in recent films, prompting Academy officials to explore the possibility of mandatory AI disclosures for the 2026 Oscars. Currently, the Academy provides filmmakers with an optional disclosure form, but discussions are underway to enforce full transparency moving forward.
The Brutalist follows the journey of László Tóth, a Hungarian Jewish architect who survives a Nazi concentration camp and relocates to America after World War II. There, he becomes entwined with the ambitions of a powerful businessman. The film recently received ten Oscar nominations, but controversy arose when editor Dávid Jancsó revealed in an interview with RedShark News that AI technology was used to enhance the authenticity of the actors’ Hungarian accents. The production enlisted the Ukrainian software company Respeecher to modify voice performances, ensuring a more linguistically accurate portrayal. Additionally, AI-generated architectural blueprints were integrated into the film’s design elements.
Jancsó defended the use of AI, arguing that it is merely an evolution of existing filmmaking techniques:
“It is controversial in the industry to talk about AI, but it shouldn’t be. We should be having a very open discussion about what tools AI can provide us with. There’s nothing in the film using AI that hasn’t been done before. It just makes the process a lot faster. We use AI to create these tiny little details that we didn’t have the money or the time to shoot.”
The debate over AI in Hollywood remains unresolved. While some embrace automation as a powerful tool for efficiency and creativity, others fear its implications for artistic integrity and job security within the industry. Notably, OpenAI has been courting major studios with its video-generation technology, Sora, while films like The Irishman experimented with deepfake-style de-aging techniques.
Despite these technological advancements, there is little indication that audiences are actively seeking more AI-generated elements in their movies. As Hollywood grapples with this evolving landscape, The Brutalist has inadvertently become a focal point in the industry’s ongoing AI debate.