AI and Creators Take Center Stage at CES 2026

CES 2026 in Las Vegas has been a whirlwind of tech marvels, from singing lollipops to robots that fold laundry. But the real buzz is around the entertainment industry. Over 25 panels and events are diving into how AI and digital creators are shaking things up. AI has been a hot topic in Hollywood, with many creatives wary of its rapid advancements. The debut of Tilly Norwood, the first AI actor, sparked outrage and raised questions about copyright issues. However, many speakers at CES are optimistic about AI's potential to boost creativity rather than replace it. Dwayne Koh, head of creative at Leonardo. ai, highlighted how AI tools democratize storytelling. He believes AI levels the playing field, allowing anyone to share their stories. Meanwhile, Hannah Elsakr from Adobe compared the current AI panic to the backlash against Photoshop in the '90s. She sees AI as another tool to enhance creativity.The conversation also turned to influencers and digital creators. Brad Haugen from Lionsgate and 3 Arts emphasized the importance of collaborating with these creators, seeing them as the next big names in film and TV. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, known for his AI thriller project, shared his concerns about AI's use of copyrighted material without consent. He founded the Creators Coalition on AI to address these issues. Despite his worries, he remains hopeful that the industry can find a brighter path forward. Beyond the panels, CES showcased a variety of entertainment tech, from advanced TVs to AI-powered smart headphones. Amazon's new Alexa. com service, offering personalized movie recommendations, is just one example of how AI is enhancing at-home entertainment.