Nicolas Cage delivered a powerful message against the encroachment of artificial intelligence in acting during his Saturn Awards acceptance speech for Best Actor in Dream Scenario. He passionately argued that allowing AI to influence performances leads actors down "a dead end," asserting that robots are incapable of truly reflecting the human condition.
Cage expressed gratitude to director Kristoffer Borgli for his work on Dream Scenario, but then shifted his focus to the burgeoning AI landscape. He declared his firm belief in resisting AI's role in creative processes, stating, "Robots cannot reflect the human condition for us." He warned that even minimal AI manipulation of a performance will ultimately compromise the integrity and authenticity of the art, replacing artistic truth with mere financial gain.
He emphasized the crucial role of art—and acting specifically—in mirroring both the external and internal aspects of the human experience, a process he believes necessitates genuine human thought and emotion. He argued that AI-generated performances would lack heart, ultimately resulting in a bland, robotic portrayal of life devoid of authentic human response. He concluded his impassioned plea with a call to action: "Protect yourselves from AI interfering with your authentic and honest expressions."
Cage's stance isn't unique. Concerns about AI's impact on the acting profession, particularly in voice acting, are growing. Ned Luke (Grand Theft Auto 5) and Doug Cockle (The Witcher) have both publicly criticized AI's use in voice acting, highlighting the potential for financial exploitation of actors.
The film industry's response to AI is similarly divided. While Tim Burton expressed deep unease about AI-generated art, Zack Snyder advocates for embracing the technology rather than resisting it.
