AI takes over Cannes as agents privately seek big money deals with tech giants despite actors’ criticism

Key Points:

• At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, AI companies dominated the event, with more AI executives attending than major Hollywood studio representatives, signaling a shift in industry influence amid traditional studios' retreat.
• Despite public criticism of AI by Hollywood stars like Scarlett Johansson and Cate Blanchett earlier in the year, there was little open criticism of AI at Cannes, with industry insiders describing the atmosphere as "hypocritical" and cautious.
• Hollywood agents were reportedly eager to strike lucrative deals with AI firms, seeking partnerships worth around $10 million, even as their clients publicly opposed AI technology.
• Tech giants such as Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic sponsored many high-profile parties and panels, filling the void left by Hollywood studios during this period of industry austerity.
• Some industry figures, including Demi Moore and Darren Aronofsky, expressed a willingness to embrace AI as a tool for storytelling, while others like Johansson stayed away from the festival amid ongoing disputes with AI companies.