Key Takeaways:
- The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is featuring extensive programming related to the entertainment industry, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Hollywood and the rise of internet-native creators.
- The event includes over 25 panels and events focused on the entertainment industry, covering topics such as AI’s impact on advertising, the role of creators in the entertainment landscape, and the use of AI-powered tools in storytelling.
- Industry experts and creatives are discussing the potential benefits and challenges of AI in the entertainment industry, including concerns about copyrighted materials and the need for fair compensation for artists.
- The rise of influencers and internet-native creators is also a major topic, with many speakers highlighting the importance of embracing these new voices and perspectives in the traditional entertainment industry.
- New entertainment-related products and services are on display at CES, including advanced televisions, AI-powered smart headphones, and innovative audio technologies.
Introduction to CES 2026
The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is underway in Las Vegas, and this year’s event is featuring a strong focus on the entertainment industry. With over 25 panels and events scheduled, the programming is exploring the intersection of technology and entertainment, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Hollywood and the rise of internet-native creators. From innovative gadgets like a singing lollipop and a laundry-folding robot to discussions about the future of storytelling and the role of AI in the entertainment industry, CES 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting and thought-provoking event.
The Role of AI in Entertainment
Artificial intelligence has long been a topic of interest and concern in the entertainment industry, with many creatives hesitant to embrace the rapidly evolving technology. However, many speakers at CES 2026 are optimistic about the potential benefits of AI, seeing it as a tool that can help artists harness their creativity rather than stifle it or replace it. According to Dwayne Koh, the head of creative at Leonardo.ai, "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." This sentiment is echoed by Hannah Elsakr, Adobe’s vice president of generative AI new business ventures, who notes that AI is just another tool in the toolkit for creatives, allowing them to drive high-quality work forward.
The Rise of Influencers and Internet-Native Creators
The growing legitimacy of internet-native creators and content in the traditional entertainment industry is also a major topic at CES 2026. Many speakers are highlighting the importance of embracing these new voices and perspectives, and the efficiency with which they work, often using AI-enabled tools. According to Brad Haugen, the executive vice president of digital strategy and growth at Lionsgate and 3 Arts, "We have, potentially, the next great filmmaker, the next great TV showrunner, the next great digital entrepreneur." This shift towards recognizing the value of internet-native creators is likely to have a significant impact on the entertainment industry, as traditional media companies look to work with and learn from these new creators.
Concerns about AI and Copyright
Despite the optimism about AI’s potential benefits, there are also concerns about the impact of the technology on copyrighted materials. Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who has been outspoken about his concerns about AI, recently announced the creation of an organization called the Creators Coalition on AI. In a moderated conversation at CES 2026, Gordon-Levitt focused on the need for fair compensation for artists and the importance of addressing the issue of training data practices used by many AI companies. "We all kind of need to get on the same page and agree, ‘No let’s not forgive that passive theft,’" he said. "Whether it takes a year or five years or more, eventually we are going to arrive at the conclusion that this principle is important — that people deserve to be paid for their work, and at that time, we’re going to go back and we’re gonna get recourse for all the stuff that was stolen."
New Entertainment-Related Products and Services
In addition to the formal programming, a host of entertainment-related products and services are on display at CES 2026. These include advanced televisions with features like personalized movie and TV recommendations, AI-powered smart headphones, and innovative audio technologies like a "stringless smart guitar" and a "sound chair" with built-in audio. Amazon also announced the rollout of Alexa.com, bringing its AI assistant to the web with a range of new features designed to enhance at-home viewing. These products and services demonstrate the ongoing convergence of technology and entertainment, and highlight the many ways in which AI is being used to enhance and transform the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and entertainment. With its focus on AI, influencers, and internet-native creators, the event is providing a unique glimpse into the future of the entertainment industry. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies and new voices, it will be exciting to see how the discussions and innovations showcased at CES 2026 shape the future of entertainment. Whether you’re a creative, a technologist, or simply a fan of entertainment, there’s something for everyone at CES 2026.
