Entertainment
Ben Affleck Is Doing Everything He Can To Convert Netflix To AI Content
By TeeJay Small
| Published
At this point, there’s no running from artificial intelligence anymore. The new-age tech is in our movies, in our social media feeds, and in our water supply, soaking up nutrients that would otherwise go into our human mouths. For some, this is an incredibly scary prospect, though others are finding it easier to adjust to AI’s creative capabilities. For instance, Ben Affleck has warmed to the idea of making movies with AI and has even partnered with Netflix to launch an AI startup called InterPositive.
According to a report from The Guardian, Ben Affleck’s InterPositive has been quietly in the works since 2022, long before the Academy Award winner had publicly embraced the concept of AI in films. In fact, before the Netflix deal was announced, Affleck had expressed concerns about AI in Hollywood, lambasting the tech as being unable to generate something that could compete with good old-fashioned human grit. To that end, the Dark Knight emeritus has specified that InterPositive won’t use generative text prompting or video creation tools and will instead assist in the post-production process.
To hear Affleck himself tell it in a recent Netflix press release, InterPositive is the next step in the evolution of post-production. “From the invention of the moving image to the transition to digital, from motion capture to virtual production, technology has evolved alongside the artists who use it,” he explained. While the public has not gotten a glimpse at the hands-on elements of this tech, it seems as though InterPositive will be built-in to a digital editing suite, such as Avid Media Composer or DaVinci Resolve. From there, it will be used to help reframe shots or adjust lighting, without requiring any pesky human foresight.
Netflix isn’t the only big name in film and TV that’s integrating AI into its works, either. Execs from Disney have already announced their intention to partner with Sam Altman’s OpenAI, while some projects, such as Emilia Pérez, Late Night with the Devil, and Marvel’s Secret Invasion, have drawn mixed reactions for their use of generative AI. Though many consumers are still split on the subject, the major streamers and studios seem prepared to go all in, even if it means ruffling some feathers.
For now, there’s no way of knowing exactly how Ben Affleck’s InterPositive or similar AI startups will influence the future of film. Someday, we might even look back at this period of history and laugh at the primitive nature of pre-AI filmmaking. The worst-case scenario is that it’s a massive bubble, doomed to pop and leave a few executives way over their skis, while gouging utility prices for people who live too close to data centers.
Either way, Ben Affleck made off with an undisclosed sum for his role in bringing AI into mainstream movies, along with a fresh new title as senior advisor at Netflix. If the myriad of sad smoking photos are any indication of his general demeanor, we can surmise that he really needed this win.
Entertainment
The Sinners cast and Misty Copeland bring the house down with I Lied to You Oscars performance
I have one question after watching the Sinners cast perform the film’s Academy Award-nominated song “I Lied To You” at the Oscars, and that is: Sinners stage musical, when?
The Oscars performance sweeps viewers up in the film’s most breathtaking sequence, when blues singer Sammie “Preacher Boy” Moore (Miles Caton) performs, his music so powerful it transcends space and time. Soon, Sinners‘ juke joint revelers are joined by performers from the past and present, including DJs, ballerinas, and traditional Chinese opera dancers.
Sinners brought that genre-bending magic right to the Oscars, along with an onstage recreation of the film’s juke joint. Caton and Raphael Saadiq performed “I Lied to You” alongside renowned singers and songwriters Eric Gales, Buddy Guy (who also appears in the movie as older Sammie), Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith. Misty Copeland, the first Black woman to be named Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theater, also took the stage, as did cast members Jayme Lawson and Li Jun Li.
Coming just under an hour into the Oscars telecast, this tribute to the power of music, especially the blues, is already a highlight of the night, earning a well-deserved standing ovation.
Want more Sinners musical goodness? Then check out Guy and Caton’s Tiny Desk Concert, where they perform a stripped-down version of “I Lied to You” and “Travelin’.”
Mashable’s covering all things Oscars 2026, from Academy Awards live updates to red carpet style and the wildest moments from the show. Check back at Mashable.com throughout the night for winners announcements and more.
Entertainment
Conan OBrien throws shade at AI, Timothée Chalamet in Oscars monologue
After a harrowing, Weapons-style chase to the Dolby Theater, Oscars host Conan O’Brien made it to the stage to deliver a monologue that pokes fun at some of the hottest topics in Hollywood, including AI.
“I am honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards,” O’Brien said to start his monologue. “Next year it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux.”
O’Brien also threw shade at Timothée Chalamet’s recent viral comments about opera and ballet, saying there was increased security at the Oscars due to “concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities.”
O’Brien’s monologue also gestured towards political unrest, albeit vaguely.
“If I could be serious for just a moment, everyone watching right now around the world is all too aware that these are very chaotic, frightening times. It’s at moments like these that I believe that the Oscars are particularly resonant,” O’Brien said. “Check it out. Thirty-one countries across six continents are represented this evening, and every film we salute is the product of thousands of people speaking different languages, working hard to make something of beauty. We pay tribute tonight, not just to film, but to the ideals of global artistry, collaboration, patience, resilience, and that rarest of qualities today, optimism.”
Things didn’t stay too serious for long, though, as O’Brien closed the monologue with a reenactment of what it would look like if he won an Oscar. Spoiler alert: It involves the Pope, Josh Groban, and a falcon carrying his trophy down to him.
Watch O’Brien’s full monologue above.
Mashable’s covering all things Oscars 2026, from Academy Awards live updates to red carpet style and the wildest moments from the show. Check back at Mashable.com throughout the night for winners announcements and more.
Entertainment
How to avoid getting scammed online in 2026
If there’s anything last year’s Qantas data breach has taught us, it’s that your online information isn’t as secure as you think it is. While you may think you’ve secured your digital footprint by using ‘strong’ passwords or switching to incognito mode, there’s a world of online trackers and threats waiting for one slip-up to weasel their way onto your devices. And unfortunately, slip-ups do happen from time to time.
Before you purchase with your card details or enter your shipping address, we at PCMag have a couple of tips to make sure your data is secure while browsing online:
Regularly Change Your Passwords
Though this seems pretty obvious from the outset, remembering to regularly change your passwords is harder than you think—especially when you’re one to forget easily. Yet, the first and best way to maintain your security is to switch up your credentials every few months. If you often struggle thinking of a strong password, you can always rely on Bitdefender’s Password Manager to store or generate a password mixed with letters, numbers, and symbols. Your online security will be stronger than ever.
Be Wary of Suspicious Links and Attachments
Using phishing emails or links to infect your devices is a hackers’ favourite way to get your personal details. So, the last thing you want to do when a dubious email or link makes its way into your inbox or messages is click it. However, if you do, make sure you don’t enter in any personal or banking details. If you’re unsure about any links or texts you’ve been sent, Bitdefender’s Scamio and Email Protection software will scan your online activity and inbox for any devious threats lurking beneath the surface. You’ll be fully aware of any threats to your information in no time.
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Trust in Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
There’s no such thing as being “overly secure,” and setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts is a great example. A security method meant to shield your accounts from phishing or hackers, 2FA pairs your password with an additional layer of identity verification—ranging from PIN codes and personal questions to security tokens and smart keys. Should any break-ins or data breaches occur, you’ll be thankful this extra layer of protection will keep your information protected.
Keep Your Devices Updated
We’ve all been frustrated by a random system update. However, updating your devices with the latest software protects your tech from vulnerabilities hackers often exploit. Though you might hesitate to install a major operating system update (or simply don’t have the time and energy to sit through the update), any weaknesses will be patched up quickly and easily so your system runs smoothly and safely. Not only that, keeping your system, browser, and apps up-to-date also helps extend the life of your devices.
Invest in Antivirus Software
You know what they say: it’s an oldie but a goodie. Investing in robust antivirus software is a surefire way to maintain the security of your personal data. One of our personal favourite Antivirus suites of 2026, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, keeps your devices protected against the Trojans, ransomware or spyware that try to set up shop on your devices. Yet, if you’d prefer an even higher level of protection, Bitdefender Ultimate Security comes equipped with an unlimited VPN, anti-tracker extension, and comprehensive email and SMS protection. Check out our extensive coverage for more information.
Stay On Top of Your Cyber Security Needs
Hackers and online scammers will stop at nothing to get hold of your personal information, but you don’t need to suffer at the hands of a data breach you can’t prevent. While you can always rely on us here at PCMag to keep you informed on the best security suites on the market, Bitdefender is the next best one-stop-shop for keeping your life confidential—and you can always check out the Bitdefender blog for more online security tips and tricks, too.
The Sinners cast and Misty Copeland bring the house down with I Lied to You Oscars performance
Conan OBrien throws shade at AI, Timothée Chalamet in Oscars monologue
