Nicolas Cage, in a passionate Saturn Awards acceptance speech, decried the use of artificial intelligence in acting. He warned that actors who allow AI to influence their performances are heading toward "a dead end," arguing that robots are incapable of truly reflecting the human condition.
Cage, accepting the Best Actor award for his role in Dream Scenario, expressed his gratitude to director Kristoffer Borgli before launching into his AI critique. He emphasized his belief in the irreplaceable role of human creativity and emotion in artistic expression. He stated that allowing AI to manipulate performances, even slightly, would ultimately compromise the integrity and authenticity of art, replacing it with mere financial concerns.
He asserted that the purpose of art, particularly acting, is to mirror the complexities of the human experience through a thoughtful and emotional process of recreation—a process he believes AI is fundamentally incapable of replicating. He warned that reliance on AI would result in art lacking heart, losing its edge, and becoming bland, ultimately presenting a distorted and robotic view of life. He urged actors to protect themselves against AI interference, advocating for authentic and honest self-expression.
Cage's concerns echo those of other actors, particularly in the voice acting field, where AI-generated performances are becoming increasingly prevalent. Ned Luke, known for his role in Grand Theft Auto 5, and Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt in The Witcher, have both expressed concerns about the impact of AI on voice actors' livelihoods and the art form itself. While Cockle acknowledges AI's inevitability, he also highlights its potential dangers.
The debate extends beyond actors, with filmmakers also weighing in. Tim Burton expressed his unease with AI-generated art, labeling it "very disturbing," while Zack Snyder adopted a more forward-looking stance, urging filmmakers to embrace AI rather than resist it.
