Leonardo DiCaprio: AI Will Help Cinema, but Art Must Remain Human
In an interview accompanying his recognition as TIME's Artist of the Year, DiCaprio acknowledged the usefulness of AI for filmmaking but said that true art must come from humans. He also voiced criticism of the popularity of AI-generated music and virtual performers.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
December 9, 2025 · 1 min read
Leonardo DiCaprio, during an interview about being named TIME's Artist of the Year, voiced doubts about the role of artificial intelligence in creative processes.
A look at AI in cinema
The actor conceded that AI could become a useful tool for filmmakers, particularly young directors, but stressed that true art should originate from a human.
"It can be an enhancement tool for a young director who will do something we've never seen before. I think anything that will truly be regarded as art has to come from a human"
– Leonardo DiCaprio
AI in music and streaming
He also noted that technological "mashups" can be impressive, but often quickly lose significance and lack a human core.
"Otherwise... haven't you heard those songs that are mashups, just brilliant, and you think: 'Oh my God, that's Michael Jackson performing The Weeknd,' or 'It's the funk from A Tribe Called Quest's "Bonita Applebum," performed, you know, in Al Green's voice in a soul style, and it's brilliant.' And you say: 'Cool.' But then it gets its 15 minutes of fame and just dissipates into the ether of other internet junk"
– Leonardo DiCaprio
Against the backdrop of the rising popularity of artificial music projects like Velvet Sundown, as well as virtual characters such as "DJ Tori" and Xania Monet, live musicians are protesting and calling for restrictions on the use of AI in the music industry.
