Matthew McConaughey believes it’s only a matter of time before actors are competing against artificial intelligence at the Oscars.
During a CNN town hall at the University of Texas at Austin, the Oscar winner shared his candid thoughts on Hollywood’s rapid embrace of AI, warning that performers shouldn’t ignore what’s coming. “It’s coming. It’s already here,” McConaughey said, adding that simply arguing AI is wrong won’t stop its expansion. According to him, the financial incentives and efficiency behind the technology make it unstoppable.
Rather than resisting it outright, McConaughey urged actors—especially younger ones—to protect themselves. He emphasized the importance of owning and trademarking their voice, image, and likeness before AI systems begin replicating them without consent. He even revealed he plans to trademark his iconic phrase “Alright, Alright, Alright” to prevent misuse. “Own yourself,” he advised. “So when it comes, no one can steal you.”
The True Detective star predicted AI will eventually “infiltrate” major acting categories. He questioned whether the Academy might one day introduce awards for AI-generated performances or films, or whether AI creations could directly compete with human actors. McConaughey said the bigger issue is how advanced the technology may become. “It’s going to get so good we’re not going to know the difference,” he warned, describing the future as both exciting and unsettling. His message: prepare now and secure control over your creative identity before the lines between reality and artificial performance blur completely.
