Peter Jackson's Career Review and Discussion on Artificial Intelligence at the 79th Cannes Film Festival

May 13, 2026, 15:27
EuropeEntertainment

Introduction

Director Peter Jackson attended a special review of his career at the 79th Cannes Film Festival. During the event, he received an honorary Palme d'Or and shared his views on how artificial intelligence is being used in the movie industry.

Main Body

The event began with a look back at Jackson's work, starting from his first film, 'Bad Taste', in 1987, up to the famous 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Jackson mentioned that the 1994 film 'Heavenly Creatures' featured the first onscreen kiss for actress Kate Winslet. Furthermore, he explained that finding the right actress for Melanie Lynskey's role during that production was a very stressful process. Regarding his future projects, Jackson explained why Andy Serkis was chosen to direct 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum'. He emphasized that Serkis has a deeper understanding of the character's complex personality. While Elijah Wood and Sir Ian McKellen will return to the series, Jamie Dornan will take over the role of Aragorn from Viggo Mortensen. At the same time, there was a debate about the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Jackson described AI as a useful tool, but he asserted that its success depends on the creativity of the person using it. However, he argued that copying people without their permission is an illegal use of intellectual property. This view is similar to why Cate Blanchett started RSL Media to protect artists' images. Similarly, jury member Demi Moore suggested that fighting AI is probably useless and that the industry should instead find a practical way to work with the technology.

Conclusion

Following the tribute to Jackson, the festival continues with the premiere of international films and the screening of content created by AI.

Learning

🚀 The 'B2 Jump': From Simple Sentences to Sophisticated Connections

At the A2 level, you usually connect ideas with simple words like and, but, or because. To reach B2, you need to use 'Connectors of Logic.' These words act like road signs, telling the reader exactly how two ideas relate.

🔍 The Discovery: Logical Signposting

Look at how the article moves from one idea to another. Instead of using and five times, it uses these specific triggers:

  1. Adding Information (The 'Plus' Effect):

    • Text: "Furthermore, he explained that finding the right actress..."
    • B2 Logic: Use Furthermore when you want to add a second, more important point to your argument. It sounds more professional than Also.

  2. Showing Contrast (The 'Pivot'):

    • Text: "...a useful tool, but he asserted... However, he argued..."
    • B2 Logic: While but is fine, starting a new sentence with However creates a strong pause. It signals to the listener: "Stop, I am about to tell you the opposite side of the story."

  3. Comparing Similarities (The 'Mirror'):

    • Text: "Similarly, jury member Demi Moore suggested..."
    • B2 Logic: Similarly is a powerhouse word. Use it when two different people or things are doing the same thing. It proves you can synthesize information from different sources.

🛠️ Upgrade Your Vocabulary

To move toward B2, replace your "Basic Verbs" with "Precision Verbs" found in the text:

A2 (Basic)B2 (Precise)Example from Text
SaidAsserted"...he asserted that its success depends..."
Said/ThoughtArgued"...he argued that copying people..."
Said/Gave a viewSuggested"...Demi Moore suggested that fighting AI..."

Coach's Tip: Asserted and Argued are stronger than Said. They imply that the speaker is defending a specific opinion with evidence. Using these makes you sound like a confident communicator rather than a student repeating words.

Vocabulary Learning

tribute (n.)
A public expression of respect or admiration for someone.
Example:The film festival held a tribute to Peter Jackson.
premiere (n.)
The first public showing of a film or performance.
Example:The festival’s premiere attracted many international guests.
screening (n.)
The act of showing a film to an audience.
Example:The screening of the new documentary was well attended.
creative (adj.)
Having or showing imagination or originality.
Example:She praised the creative use of AI in the film.
intellectual property (n.)
Works of the mind that are protected by law, such as inventions, literary works, and trademarks.
Example:Copying people without permission is an illegal use of intellectual property.
illegal (adj.)
Contrary to law; unlawful.
Example:The unauthorized use of the footage was deemed illegal.
useful (adj.)
Providing practical or beneficial help.
Example:He described AI as a useful tool for filmmakers.
success (n.)
The achievement of a desired outcome or goal.
Example:The success of the film depends on the director’s vision.
depends (v.)
To be determined by or influenced by something else.
Example:The outcome depends on the creative choices made.
creativity (n.)
The ability to produce original and imaginative ideas.
Example:Creativity is essential when working with new technology.
copying (v.)
Making an exact duplicate of something.
Example:Copying the original footage without permission is prohibited.
permission (n.)
Official approval to do something.
Example:You need permission before using someone’s image.
similar (adj.)
Having a resemblance or likeness.
Example:Her approach is similar to that of previous filmmakers.
practical (adj.)
Suitable for real use or application.
Example:The industry should find a practical way to integrate AI.
useless (adj.)
Not useful or effective.
Example:He considered fighting AI to be useless.
instead (prep.)
In place of something else.
Example:They decided to collaborate instead of competing.
find (v.)
To discover or locate something.
Example:The team will find new opportunities with the technology.
industry (n.)
A sector of the economy that produces goods or services.
Example:The film industry is exploring AI applications.
technology (n.)
The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
Example:AI is a cutting‑edge technology reshaping cinema.
future (adj.)
Relating to what will happen later.
Example:His future projects will likely involve more AI.
projects (n.)
Planned pieces of work or tasks.
Example:He talked about several upcoming projects.
chosen (adj.)
Selected or picked out from a group.
Example:Andy Serkis was chosen to direct the sequel.
direct (v.)
To guide or control the making of a film.
Example:He will direct the next chapter of the saga.
character (n.)
A person or figure in a story or play.
Example:The actor brings depth to the character.
personality (n.)
The combination of traits that make a person unique.
Example:The character’s complex personality was highlighted.
return (v.)
To come back to a previous place or situation.
Example:Elijah Wood will return to the series.
take over (phrasal verb)
To assume control or responsibility for something.
Example:Jamie Dornan will take over the role of Aragorn.
role (n.)
A part played by an actor in a film.
Example:She auditioned for the role of the lead.
fighting (v.)
Engaging in conflict or opposition.
Example:She suggested that fighting AI is probably useless.
probably (adv.)
Most likely or expected to happen.
Example:They thought it would probably succeed.
content (n.)
Material presented in a media format.
Example:The festival screened AI‑generated content.
created (adj.)
Made or produced by someone.
Example:The film was created by a team of engineers.