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Entertainment Takes Center Stage at CES 2026 Amid AI Innovations
The theatrics of the world’s largest tech showcase are in full swing in Las Vegas, where innovations like singing lollipops, laundry-folding robots, and “smart” LEGO bricks have captured initial attention. However, beneath the surface of gadgetry at CES 2026 lies a substantive focus on the entertainment industry, which itself is no stranger to spectacle and showmanship.
The Las Vegas event features more than 25 different panels and events dedicated to entertainment, spanning traditional studio operations and the digital realm dominated by content creators. Discussions have tackled pressing questions about AI’s cinematic potential, its impact on advertising, and the expanding role of the creator economy within the broader entertainment landscape.
Artificial intelligence has been a contentious topic in Hollywood for years. Many creative professionals have shown reluctance to embrace rapidly evolving AI technologies and tools. Controversy erupted last fall with the debut of Tilly Norwood, promoted as the first “AI actor” and entirely computer-generated. The industry continues to grapple with unresolved questions regarding copyrighted characters, images, and intellectual property in relation to AI applications.
Despite these concerns, many speakers at CES expressed optimism about AI’s potential benefits, particularly how the technology could enhance artistic creativity rather than replace human talent.
“The tools that we create have unlocked something in us. It’s kind of flattened that bar in terms of what storytelling can be because anyone now can be a storyteller,” explained Dwayne Koh, head of creative at Leonardo.ai, during a Monday session focusing on AI and creativity. “It levels the playing field, but it also makes it easier for people to tell stories that they always wanted to tell that they never could have the opportunity to tell.”
Some industry veterans pointed out that technology-related anxieties have historical precedent in entertainment. Hannah Elsakr, Adobe’s vice president of generative AI new business ventures, recalled during an advertising-focused session: “When we launched Photoshop in the ’90s, we were also getting pretty angry phone calls from creatives saying that we were destroying craft.”
She emphasized that AI remains in its early developmental stages, adding, “I’m not advocating for more cats jumping off diving boards in your feeds. I think it’s about high creativity and so the director, the artist, the actor is going to drive the high quality. Think of AI as another tool in the toolkit to make you drive that forward.”
Another significant focus at CES centered on influencers and the growing legitimacy of internet-native creators within traditional entertainment channels. Many discussions highlighted the efficiency of these creators, sometimes attributed to their use of AI-enabled tools.
Brad Haugen, executive vice president of digital strategy and growth at Lionsgate and 3 Arts, urged traditional media companies to embrace opportunities for collaboration with digital creators. “We have, potentially, the next great filmmaker, the next great TV showrunner, the next great digital entrepreneur,” he said. “Creators are not just there to market products. They’re not just there to do internet stuff. They’re actually the next Spike Jonze and the next Sofia Coppola.”
The convergence of entertainment and technology extends beyond panel discussions. The CES exhibition floor showcases numerous entertainment-related innovations, including state-of-the-art televisions with advanced features, AI-powered smart headphones, a “stringless smart guitar,” and a “sound chair” with built-in audio capabilities.
Major tech companies are also unveiling entertainment-focused offerings. Amazon announced the launch of Alexa.com, expanding its AI assistant to the web with new features like personalized movie and TV recommendations. This complements previously announced functionality allowing users to locate specific scenes in films or shows through simple voice descriptions.
Additional entertainment programming is scheduled for Wednesday as part of Variety’s Entertainment Summit at CES, featuring panels with executives from industry giants Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery, as well as actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
As CES 2026 continues, the deepening relationship between cutting-edge technology and entertainment demonstrates how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative industries, despite ongoing tensions around implementation and adoption. The showcased innovations suggest a future where technology amplifies rather than replaces human creativity, potentially democratizing access to storytelling tools while maintaining the essential human elements that connect with audiences.
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7 Comments
AI in entertainment is a fascinating and complex topic. While the technology holds promise, the industry must thoughtfully navigate the ethical and creative implications. I’m curious to hear more about the perspectives shared at CES on AI’s role and impact.
The intersection of entertainment and technology is always intriguing. I’m interested to learn more about the specific AI and creator economy topics that were discussed at CES and how they might impact the industry going forward.
The debate around AI actors is a fascinating ethical dilemma. While the technology may advance, there are valid concerns about authenticity, representation, and the potential displacement of human performers. It’s a complex issue without easy answers.
As AI capabilities continue to evolve, I’m curious to hear how entertainment companies plan to leverage these tools in production, marketing, and beyond. The potential applications seem vast, but the risks must be carefully managed.
The entertainment industry’s embrace of innovative tech like AI and robotics at CES is an exciting development. I look forward to seeing how these advancements shape the future of content creation, consumer experiences, and business models.
The rise of the creator economy is an intriguing development that’s shaking up traditional entertainment models. I’m interested to learn how industry leaders are adapting and collaborating with digital creators to drive innovation.
Yes, the blending of traditional and digital entertainment is an important trend to watch. Adapting to changing consumer behaviors and preferences will be critical for long-term success.