‘Definition of a legend’: Nicolas Cage feels the love in Miami, and he shows it back
Nicolas Cage hearts Miami.
The eccentric, handsome star of such wide-ranging classics as “Raising Arizona,” Moonstruck,” National Treasure” and “Adaptation” was duly honored Sunday night at the Miami Film Festival for his incredible body of work.
“I’m excited and thrilled,” the Oscar winner, 59, said on the red carpet. “I love this city.”
Cage, who has been in more than 100 films, was presented with Variety magazine’s Legends and Groundbreakers Award at Miami Dade College in downtown Miami.
“Nicolas Cage is the very definition of a legend. An Academy Award-winning actor, a global superstar, and a cult icon, everyone the world over is familiar with his inimitable persona and larger than life presence,” said Miami Film Festival Director of Programming Lauren Cohen. “He is truly one of a kind — the very essence of what we’re celebrating at our milestone 40th edition.”
Inside the theater, the California native talked about how amazed he was by the Magic City’s recent growth spurt and totally gets why anyone would put down stakes and call it home.
“I was walking on Ocean [Drive] last night,” he said, “and I was looking at the beautiful Art Deco hotels facing the ocean. I said, ‘Well, this this is groundbreaking.’ What a beautiful vision to do that, making Miami one of the most unique places. No wonder Gianni Versace, one of the greatest artists, knew what was going on and decided to live here.”
How impressed was
Cage? He told the audience that when he got home he was going to talk to his 17-year-old son, actor KalEl Cage (with ex Alice
Kim) about going to college down here.
Though Cage has been lighting up the big screen since the ’80s (“Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” anyone?), he’s also managed to be a hit with the youngs lately.
A meme that’s making the rounds sees Cage riding in a convertible with “The Last of Us” star Pedro Pascal as “Make Your Own Music” by Mama
Cass plays.
It’s a scene from 2022’s “Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” in which Cage plays a fictionalized version of himself, accepting a $1 million gig to meet a billionaire Spanish playboy (Pascal) who is a huge fan. In the car, Cage gives that famous stunned/ irritated expression while a giddily starstruck Pascal stares back.
“Is that on TIkTok or something?” joked Cage, who will next be seen playing Dracula in the upcoming black comedy “Renfield.” “Have I gone viral as they say? Cool.”
Cool, indeed.