Tom Cruise Advocates for Authenticity in Filmmaking Over AI

WHO:

Variety - Tom Cruise, an acclaimed actor with a four-decade career.

Deadline - Edith Bowman, host of the BAFTA event.

WHAT:

Variety - Tom Cruise stated that AI is “coming and it’s going to happen,” but emphasized that “people want to see real things” on screen.

Deadline - Tom Cruise delivered a six-minute monologue at a BAFTA event, advocating for the power of art over AI, which earned him spontaneous applause.

WHERE:

Variety - The event took place in London at a BAFTA “Life in Pictures” conversation.

WHY:

Variety - Tom Cruise believes that despite the advancements in AI, audiences will always prefer authentic human experiences in filmmaking.

HOW:

Deadline - Cruise reflected on his career and addressed the “AI question” posed by the host during the event.

(UPDATED September 21, 2026 22:59 UTC)

At a BAFTA event in London, Tom Cruise delivered a powerful six-minute monologue advocating for the importance of authentic human experiences in filmmaking, which received spontaneous applause from the audience. He acknowledged the rise of AI, stating that while it is “coming and it’s going to happen,” people will always prefer to see real things on screen. Reflecting on his four-decade career, Cruise emphasized that the essence of art must prevail over technology.