Nicolas Cage has passionately critiqued the use of artificial intelligence in acting, warning that any actor who allows AI to alter their performance is heading toward "a dead end." He emphasized that "robots cannot reflect the human condition," a sentiment he shared upon receiving the best actor award for his role in Dream Scenario at the Saturn Awards.

In his acceptance speech, Cage expressed gratitude to director Kristoffer Borgli for his multifaceted contributions to the film but quickly shifted focus to his concerns about AI. "I am a big believer in not letting robots dream for us," Cage stated, underscoring that allowing AI to manipulate an actor's performance, even minimally, could lead to a loss of artistic integrity, purity, and truth. He argued that art, including film performances, should serve as a mirror to the human condition, a task he believes robots are incapable of achieving. "If we let robots do that, it will lack all heart and eventually lose edge and turn to mush," he warned, urging actors to protect their authentic and honest expressions from AI interference.

Cage's views resonate with other actors who have spoken out against AI, particularly in the voice acting industry. Notable voice actors like Ned Luke from Grand Theft Auto 5 and Doug Cockle from The Witcher have criticized AI for potentially robbing them of income through unauthorized use of their voices in chatbots and other technologies. While AI's use in voice acting has been more prominent, its implications have sparked debate across the broader filmmaking community.

Directors have also weighed in on the topic, though opinions vary. Tim Burton has labeled AI-generated art as "very disturbing," reflecting a cautious stance, whereas Zack Snyder advocates for embracing AI rather than resisting it, suggesting that filmmakers should not remain passive observers.

Cage's strong stance against AI in acting highlights a growing concern within the entertainment industry about the balance between technological innovation and preserving the essence of human creativity and performance.