Who is Vinny Thomas and what did he advocate for at the IndieWire Honors?

Vinny Thomas hosted the IndieWire Honors and used his monologue to advocate for 'actors of data,' or AI performers, in Hollywood.

What did Vinny Thomas say about AI actors stealing roles from human actors?

Thomas humorously argued that AI actors do not steal roles from human actors, suggesting the opposite might be true.

Who were some of the honorees at the IndieWire Honors event?

The event celebrated artists such as Adam Sandler, Kristen Stewart, Chase Infiniti, Jacob Elordi, and Wagner Moura.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Hollywood's 'Data Actors' Get Unlikely Advocate

Hollywood's 'Data Actors' Get Unlikely Advocate

5 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Host Vinny Thomas advocates for 'actors of data' at IndieWire Honors.
Thomas humorously argues AI actors don't steal roles from humans.
The event celebrated artists like Adam Sandler and Kristen Stewart.

Hollywood's 'Data Actors' Get Unlikely Advocate

During the recent IndieWire Honors ceremony in Los Angeles, host Vinny Thomas used his opening monologue to champion the cause of 'actors of data,' also known as AI performers. With characteristic wit, he challenged the prevailing sentiment that AI actors are a threat to their human counterparts.

Thomas humorously presented a case for AI actors, suggesting that human performers often take roles that could be better suited for digital counterparts. He cited animated characters like Wall-E and Optimus Prime, questioning why they weren't voiced by AI, and quipped about the prevalence of human actors in the audience.

The event itself celebrated a diverse group of artists, including Adam Sandler, Kristen Stewart, and Chase Infiniti, recognizing their contributions to innovative cinema. The evening featured an intimate reception and awards ceremony, highlighting unique accomplishments in storytelling.