Andrew Garfield's Portrayal of Sam Altman in 'Artificial' Garners Oscar Buzz

Andrew Garfield is generating Oscar consideration for his role as OpenAI founder Sam Altman in the upcoming film "Artificial." The black comedy, directed by Luca Guadagnino, chronicles Altman's controversial dismissal and subsequent rehiring at OpenAI in 2023. Following its premiere at the New York Film Festival, critics have widely praised Garfield's performance, with some describing it as "unsettling" and "terrifying."

Production company Neon plans to campaign for nominations for both Garfield and Mark Rylance in the Supporting Actor category. Critics on social media and in early reviews have lauded the film, with some calling it Guadagnino's best in a decade and a sharp commentary on Silicon Valley culture.

Early reactions suggest a strong connection to "The Social Network," with Antonio Ferme of Variety noting that "ARTIFICIAL feels like the proper sequel to THE SOCIAL NETWORK." Ferme described the film as "a human story about the blinding nature of desire" and credited Garfield with embodying Altman's "charismatic yet manipulative demeanor."

Film writer Greg Pomes called "Artificial" an "intimate character study but on a huge scale," stating that Garfield "fully becomes Sam Altman." He also highlighted Yura Borisov's performance, calling him "the real star here."

Nicole's Film Perspectives described Garfield's role as "terrifying" and "haunting yet alarming," while Eric Kohn praised it as a "pitch-perfect dark comedy about the absence of responsibility in the face of apocalyptic certainty," with Garfield walking a "fine line between movie monster, buffoonish mogul, and evil genius."

Jairo Jiminez tweeted that Garfield is "terrifyingly precise," capturing Altman's "chillingly polite, messianic aura in a brilliant balancing act of manic genius and corporate coldness."

Matt Neglia, Editor-In-Chief of Next Best Picture, described "Artificial" as Guadagnino's take on the AI boom's origins, calling it "as entertaining as it is terrifying." He added that Garfield delivers "one of his most unsettling and transformative performances," equally capturing "disarming charm and unnerving malice."

Reviews from outlets like Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter echo the praise for Garfield's portrayal of Altman as a "charming villain" and a figure who "changes his story depending on whoever he happens to be talking to." However, some critics, like Tim Grierson of Screen International, found the screenplay lacking in insight into the individuals profiting from volatile technology.

Owen Myers of The Guardian described Garfield as "brilliantly slimy," depicting Altman's evolution and eventual firing and rehiring as CEO. Zachary Lee of The Wrap called the film an "engrossing lament" about repeating mistakes.

Garfield, who has two previous Best Actor Oscar nominations for "Hacksaw Ridge" and "Tick, Tick... Boom!," stated that he did not meet Altman directly for the role. Instead, he spent "two to three months" studying footage of him. He also noted that the growing news coverage about AI's dangers during production influenced his portrayal, expressing a desire to "shine the light as bright as possible at the nooks and crannies of people we’re giving all of our autonomy and power to."

"Artificial" is scheduled for release in the US on December 25 and in the UK on January 7.