AI Breaks Ground at the Oscars: “The Great Reset” Makes History as First AI-Generated Film Eligible for Nomination
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The film industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, as “The Great Reset” – a Spanish-produced apocalyptic thriller – has become the first film created entirely with artificial intelligence too be eligible for the 98th Academy Awards, to be presented on March 15, marking a pivotal moment for AI’s role in cinematic production.
A Spanish First: AI Takes Centre Stage in hollywood
“The Great Reset” isn’t just a technical achievement; it’s a cultural one. The film is considered the first major Spanish production leveraging artificial intelligence throughout its creation. It also represents the first AI-generated film to secure a commercial release on the Hollywood circuit. This triple distinction – first Spanish AI film, first AI film in Hollywood, and first Oscar-eligible AI film – solidifies its place in audiovisual history.
The film centers on a high-stakes narrative: a rogue hacker’s plot to dismantle the global system, countered by his daughter’s desperate race against time to save humanity. Through its technologically driven narrative, “The Great Reset” draws inspiration from classic action films, offering a powerful cinematic experience.
Freepik’s Rising Influence in the Film Industry
Behind this groundbreaking project is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by director Daniel H. Torrado and supported by Spanish production companies Virtual World Pictures and Canary film Factory. Crucially, the film heavily utilizes tools from Freepik, a Malaga-based technology company specializing in generative AI and stock graphic resources.
According to a company release, Freepik’s versatility has been instrumental in the film’s creation. Their solutions were employed for a range of tasks, including “upscaling” to enhance image resolution, generating scenes, animating pre-recorded footage, and even creating character voices. This isn’t Freepik’s first foray into high-profile productions; their tools have also been used in Robert Zemeckis’s “Hear” and the Amazon Prime Video series “House of David.”
“The possibilities and resources offered by the tool are so many that industry professionals can use it for whatever they need: whether very specific aspects, such as improving an image, or much broader aspects, such as having an idea and its complete execution with technology,” explained Sofía López, AI Growth & Marketing at Freepik, in a statement.
A Paradigm Shift: AI as a Creative Ally
The eligibility of “The Great Reset” for the Oscars is viewed as a watershed moment, comparable to the transition from analog to digital film. One analyst noted that this preselection signals a fundamental shift in how films are made and perceived. It’s anticipated to open doors for more AI-generated or AI-assisted films to gain recognition at prestigious festivals and competitions.
However, the integration of AI isn’t intended to replace human creativity. As López stated, “AI is a tool that is empowering creative profiles, those who have ideas and the ability to tell stories, giving them more autonomy and making their work more efficient.” She drew a parallel to the introduction of computers in graphic design, emphasizing that AI serves as an enhancement, not a replacement, for creative talent.
Freepik aims to be the go-to resource for professionals seeking to leverage AI in their creative processes, offering a space where ideas can be brought to life with cutting-edge technology. The company envisions a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into all aspects of filmmaking, serving as a powerful tool for creativity, narrative, and production on a global scale.
Initial presentations of “The Great Reset” took place throughout 2025 at key industry events, including the european Film Market at the Berlinale, the Marché du Film at the Cannes festival, and the American Film Market. International distribution agreements have since been secured, promising a wider release throughout the year.
This milestone reaffirms Freepik’s commitment to embracing technology as a benefit for creative teams and solidifies its position as a key player in the evolving landscape of cinematic production.
