March 16, 2026
Last night’s Oscars ceremony went off without a hitch, delivering several historic Hollywood moments. However, while the looming shadow of AI was mostly diligently ignored by the honorees, the technology still made its presence known during a couple of key moments.
In fact, the show kicked off with a nod to AI thanks to its host Conan O’Brien. “I am Conan O’Brien and I’m honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards,” said O’Brien, to nervous laughter from the audience. “Next year it’s going to be a Waymo [the self-driving taxi] in a tux. So, check that out.”
But the acknowledgement that AI was coming was limited to O’Brien’s opening monologue. During the show portion for Best Animated Short, presented by actors Will Arnett (The Lego Batman Movie, Arrested Development) and Channing Tatum (Deadpool & Wolverine, Magic Mike), an anti-AI sentiment was voiced onstage.
“Tonight we are celebrating people. Not AI!” said Arnett, his fist clenched as he stared into the audience with a hint of anger. “Because animation is more than a prompt, it’s an art form and it needs to be protected. Am I right? Am I right!?” To that, the audience broke out in applause and cheers in agreement. It was a rare moment for the Oscars, usually reserved for some political sentiment or humanitarian cause mentioned. But in this case, the bête noire was AI, and for one night Hollywood seemed united against it.
Arnett’s passionate entreaty wasn’t misplaced, as it now seems clear that long before AI replaces any actors, it will likely first be used to generate a major animated film. When that day comes, and it’s coming soon, this moment at the 98th Academy Awards will be remembered as a key turning point when Hollywood blinked, and recognized the first possible major casualty of AI in the movie business.
Cover image via ABC TV broadcast screenshot
