Oscar winner Cotillard says she would be ‘afraid’ if an AI actor ever moved her emotionally

San Sebastian, Spain — French actress Marion Cotillard expressed concern on September 25 that emotional reactions from audiences might soon be triggered by actors generated by artificial intelligence. The 50-year-old Oscar winner, who won Best Actress in 2008 for her role in La Vie en Rose, was speaking at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

Cotillard said she finds AI actors "acting like potatoes" at present, which she believes "reassures me." However, she admitted the possibility of future AI actors fooling audiences, stating she "would be very afraid" if an AI actor ever moved her emotionally. Cotillard is in San Sebastian for the world premiere of Nicole Garcia’s film 7h40 ce jour-là, which is in the running for the festival's top prize.

The film follows a former revolutionary activist, played by Cotillard, who reconnects with her son after serving 20 years in prison. The festival, which closes tomorrow, features 17 films competing for top awards.