The career of a disillusioned producer, who is desperate for a hit, is endangered when his star walks off the film set. Forced to think fast, the producer decides to digitally create an actress "Simone" to sub for the star--the first totally believable synthetic actress. The "actress" becomes an overnight sensation, with a major singing career as well, and everyone thinks she's a real person. However, as Simone's fame skyrockets, he cannot bear to admit his fraud to himself or the world.

As part of the pre-released publicity for this film, it was claimed that Simone would be played by a completely photo-realistic computer-generated actress.

[to a group of reporters]


Viktor:
Simone appears only when I want her to appear.

Incorrectly regarded as goofs: Under Academy rules a performer can be nominated for only one performance in any acting category. This rule is broken deliberately - Simone is so wonderful that the Academy is prepared to break its own rules for her.

Written by Samuel Barber
Performed by Dale Warland Singers
Courtesy of American Choral Catalogue