Andy Garcia Insights Energy Industry at Washington Forum
Actor Andy Garcia, known for his role in the show “Landman,” participated in a forum in Washington this week alongside U.S. energy leaders and members of Congress. He shared that his experience on the series has granted him valuable insights into the lives of oil workers and the intricate processes involved in delivering America’s energy resources.
The show, which highlights the challenges faced by workers in the Permian Basin of West Texas, showcases a lifestyle that often goes unnoticed. In his speech, Garcia addressed Mike Sommers, President of the American Petroleum Institute (API), emphasizing that the complexities of the U.S. oil industry, as portrayed on screen, are unfamiliar to many.
Garcia pointed out, “You learn a lot about things that you don’t necessarily take for granted.” He elaborated on how oil extraction and refining lead to the material’s widespread use in everyday items.
According to him, viewers of “Landman” will gain important perspectives on the industry, particularly through the authentic portrayals by actors Billy Bob Thornton and Sam Elliott, which resonate with those who actually work in the oil fields.
Garcia remarked, “I gained a deeper understanding and education about the industry itself, the use of oil, and how oil is present in everything we touch on a daily basis,” adding that there are various by-products as well.
He mentioned how he became intrigued by the energy sector while watching the first season and reading the script before his involvement in the show.
The 2026 Americas Energy Forum, which he attended, also presented the historical journey of American energy production, tracing back to when Edmund Drake first extracted oil in Pennsylvania in 1859. Sommers remarked on the current strong position of the U.S. energy sector, especially looking ahead to 2026.
Sommers also discussed recent events in Venezuela and their implications for American energy. He highlighted that in 2007, the U.S. was heavily reliant on Venezuelan oil, but after certain geopolitical shifts, the U.S. charted a different course, ultimately leading to the shale revolution and its current status as an energy superpower.
Currently, the United States produces around 13 million barrels of oil daily, more than any other nation, reinforcing its energy security and economic stability. Sommers concluded by asserting that the oil and gas industry in America has significantly contributed to improving the human condition.
