Matthew Libatique received the Cinematography Icon Award at Evolution Mallorca in 2026.
Libatique is currently testing artificial intelligence technology with Darren Aronofsky before they begin filming their next project together. Aronofsky launched the AI studio Primordial Soup last year in a partnership with Google DeepMind. Libatique stated that AI will not replace cinema, though he believes the technology could replace Marvel.
He predicted that Marvel and other studios such as DC will use AI to reduce costs on large-scale films. Libatique asserted that Marvel will never employ AI actors because no machine can replicate the work of an actor like Robert Pattinson.
The cinematographer noted that Zach Snyder’s "300" could become an AI product in the current era, but nobody will make "Sentimental Value" with AI. Libatique has previously used AI in post-production to fix glare, but he warned that the technology is stripping jobs from post-production experts.
He previously shot Dustin Yellin’s "Goodbye Lamby." Libatique shared that someone sent him AI videos where the machine was instructed to shoot in his style, though he claimed he does not have a distinctive style. He observed that lighting in films has become homogeneous and stated he has not seen anything created by AI that truly impressed him.
