Artists Portray Top Performers in New Works

IMDb commissions paintings and digital art of actors like Paul Mescal, Emma Stone, and George Clooney.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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In a new series, IMDb has commissioned seven fine artists to create original portraits of notable actors and performers. The works include oil paintings of George Clooney and Adam Sandler by artist Tara Lewis, a digital collage of Regina Hall by Humberto Cruz, and more. The artists aimed to capture the essence and transformative nature of acting through their unique artistic styles and perspectives.

Why it matters

This project highlights the intersection of the entertainment industry and the art world, showcasing how visual artists interpret and depict some of today's most acclaimed actors and performers. It provides a fresh, creative lens through which to view these public figures and the art of acting.

The details

The seven artists commissioned for the project are based in various locations, including San Diego and New York City. Each artist was given creative freedom to portray their chosen performer in their own distinctive style, resulting in a diverse collection of paintings, digital collages, and other mixed media works. The subjects include both established stars like George Clooney as well as rising talents like Paul Mescal.

  • The artworks were commissioned and created in early 2026.

The players

Robert Pattinson

An English actor known for his roles in films such as the Twilight saga, The Batman, and Tenet.

Regina Hall

An American actress who has starred in numerous comedy films, including the Scary Movie franchise, Girls Trip, and Black Monday.

George Clooney

A renowned American actor, director, producer, and philanthropist, known for films like Ocean's Eleven, Gravity, and Argo.

Adam Sandler

A popular American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and film producer, known for comedies like Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, and Grown Ups.

Humberto Cruz

A San Diego-based artist who created a digital collage portrait of Regina Hall.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to give Regina an aura of empowerment. It is a constant battle to be an actress in Hollywood. The butterflies symbolize evolution, as actors are always transforming.”

— Humberto Cruz, Artist (IMDb)

What’s next

The artworks will be featured in an upcoming IMDb exhibition showcasing the intersection of entertainment and visual art.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates the creative ways in which visual artists can interpret and depict the art of acting, providing a unique perspective on some of Hollywood's most renowned performers.