Advertisement
Artificial intelligence
LifestyleEntertainment

CES 2026: AI in entertainment under the spotlight as the tech remains a sticking point

Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt is among many at CES 2026 shining a light on both the positive and negative ways AI is affecting entertainment

Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Joseph Gordon-Levitt speaks at a panel at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 7. Gordon-Levitt has been outspoken over his concerns about the use of AI in the entertainment industry. Photo: Variety via Getty Images
Associated Press

The world’s largest tech showcase does not come without theatrics.

Innovations and gadgets, such as a lollipop that sings to you as you consume it, a laundry-folding robot and a “smart” Lego brick, have stolen the spotlight so far at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026. But underscoring this year’s programming is a strong focus on an industry that relies on a similar theatrical flair: entertainment.

More than 25 different panels and events related to the entertainment industry are scheduled in Las Vegas, focusing on both the traditional studio side of the industry and the digital side driven by content creators.

Advertisement
The programming has raised questions about the cinematic capabilities of AI, how artificial intelligence has changed advertising and the role the growing creator economy plays in the larger entertainment landscape.
AI has long been a sticking point in Hollywood, and many creatives in the entertainment world have been reluctant to embrace the rapidly evolving technology and AI-powered tools.
Advertisement
Outrage ensued when Tilly Norwood, an entirely AI-made character, debuted as the first “AI actor” in autumn 2025. Questions about copyrighted characters, images and materials still loom large in conversations about AI.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x