Nicolas Cage, aged 60, received the prestigious 'Icon Award' at the Newport Beach Film Festival, where he shared his concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on the film industry.

Reflecting on his own experience with AI manipulation in his cameo for 'The Flash,' Cage noted that the final scene did not match his original performance, raising alarms about the technology's influence.

He encouraged young performers to reject contracts that permit the use of EBDR on their work, advocating for the preservation of their unique artistry.

In his acceptance speech, Cage described filmmaking as a 'handcrafted, organic process that emerges from nothing,' emphasizing the importance of preserving the artistry involved.

He warned young actors that AI technology, particularly Employment-Based Digital Replicas (EBDRs), could strip them of their authentic performances, stating, 'We as actors are the instruments.'

Cage highlighted that EBDR technology is part of the SAG-AFTRA agreement, which aims to ensure actors receive compensation for the use of their digital likeness.

Cage cautioned against allowing studios to create EBDRs of their performances, highlighting the potential for studios to manipulate actors' appearances and performances post-filming.

He described the alterations made to his performance as a negative experience, which heightened his caution regarding AI's role in filmmaking.

Cage emphasized the importance of reviewing contracts for clauses that allow studios to manipulate performances, urging younger actors to protect their artistic integrity.

Under the SAG-AFTRA deal, while actors will be compensated for EBDR usage, the terms vary based on performers' salaries, with higher earners expected to negotiate better terms.

The agreement allows studios to create digital replicas of real actors using generative AI, raising concerns about the potential loss of authenticity in performances.

A recent study indicated that AI in Hollywood could lead to the loss of over 200,000 jobs within three years, highlighting the broader implications of this technology.