Cannes Chief Thierry Frémaux Calls Oscars AI Rules “Obvious” and Names This Film as “the Last Organic Film” He Watched
At the opening press conference for the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, festival director Thierry Frémaux spoke about the film industry, new Academy rules on artificial intelligence, and the changing nature of modern filmmaking. The comments were made during a media session covered by festival reporting from Cannes.
Frémaux was asked about the Oscars’ updated rules regarding the use of AI in films. He said the guidelines felt “obvious” and used the moment to reflect on how filmmaking has changed since the era of traditional celluloid cinema. He pointed to Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now as a key example of what he considers a more authentic style of filmmaking.
He said, “The helicopters in the Valkyrie scene were the helicopters Francis Ford Coppola actually had. Today, with digital technology, a filmmaker can say: ‘I have six helicopters — give me 15.’ And then you no longer know what you’re seeing. Even in arthouse films, there are digital effects everywhere now.” He added that this creates what he described as a “high risk of lies” in modern cinema.
Frémaux also called Apocalypse Now “the last organic film” he personally experienced in that tradition, referring to its practical effects, on-location shooting, and physical filmmaking approach.
Released in 1979, Apocalypse Now directed by Coppola is widely considered one of the most important war films ever made. It is known for its intense production history, large-scale practical sets, and difficult shoot in the Philippines.
The film received critical acclaim upon release and won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1979, sharing the prize with The Tin Drum. Over the years, it has been praised for its visual ambition, psychological depth, and experimental approach to storytelling, and is often ranked among the greatest films ever made, although critics have also debated its chaotic production and controversial themes.
Frémaux’s remarks came as he also addressed broader changes in Hollywood, including streaming platforms, industry restructuring, and recent labor strikes. He noted that cinema has gone through major transitions before and suggested that current challenges may eventually lead to a new creative phase.
The Cannes director also spoke about the festival’s international role and confirmed that the 2026 edition will include a tribute to Peter Jackson and the premiere of The Electric Kiss. The jury will be led by filmmaker Park Chan-wook.
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