Luca Guadagnino’s 'Artificial,' a biographical dramedy about Sam Altman’s 2023 OpenAI boardroom crisis, premiered at the New York Film Festival on October 5, 2026. The film, which follows Altman’s brief ousting and subsequent return to the AI company, stars Andrew Garfield in a career-defining role. It was originally developed by Amazon MGM Studios but was dropped days after Amazon’s $50 billion OpenAI partnership, with Neon later acquiring it in a $15 million marketing deal. The film is set for a December 25 theatrical release.
Early reactions to 'Artificial' at NYFF were polarized but largely praised for its bold take on Silicon Valley’s ethical dilemmas. Critics described it as a 'pitch-perfect dark comedy' and a 'visceral corporate drama,' with Andrew Garfield’s portrayal of Altman called 'terrifyingly precise' and 'mesmerizing.' The film juxtaposes humor with stark warnings about AI’s risks, drawing comparisons to 'The Social Network' and 'Frankenstein.' However, some reviewers noted a 'narratively unfocused dream' and 'tonal identity crisis,' with mixed opinions on its pacing and structure.
The film’s production history reflects its contentious ties to tech and entertainment industries. Amazon MGM initially backed the project but pulled out amid speculation about conflicts of interest following its OpenAI deal. Neon secured the film after other distributors passed, positioning it as a potential awards contender. The cast includes Yura Borisov as OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever, Ike Barinholtz as Elon Musk, and Mark Rylance as AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton. Variety reported Neon’s Oscar campaign will focus on Garfield, Borisov, and Rylance for supporting and lead actor categories.