AI takes over Cannes as agents privately seek big money deals with tech giants despite actors’ criticism
The Cannes Film Festival saw a significant presence of AI companies this year, overshadowing traditional Hollywood studios. Despite vocal criticism from actors regarding AI's impact on the industry, Hollywood agents were actively seeking lucrative deals with tech giants. The festival highlighted a shift in dynamics, as tech firms filled the void left by studios amidst an austerity era.
- ▪Hollywood agents were privately pursuing partnerships with AI companies during the Cannes Film Festival.
- ▪Many actors, including Scarlett Johansson and Cate Blanchett, had previously criticized AI for copyright concerns.
- ▪AI companies sponsored numerous events at Cannes, indicating their growing influence in the film industry.
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Page Six Hollywood AI takes over Cannes as agents privately seek big money deals with tech giants despite actors’ criticism By Tatiana Siegel Published May 25, 2026, 9:45 a.m. ET The reaction to AI at Cannes has been varied. This was the year AI companies took over the Cannes Film Festival while the studios stayed home. And we hear that Hollywood agents were even eagerly aiming to strike deals with the AI outfits, never mind what their clients publicly claimed back home. Tech companies also took over the fest’s otherwise anemic party scene, just as they did at the Met Gala.In the months leading up to the Cannes Film Festival, Hollywood stars and creatives had become the most vocal critics of AI.
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