Nicolas Cage revealed at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival that he may have never been paid for his iconic role in the 1995 drama Leaving Las Vegas, despite winning the Best Actor award at the 68th Academy Awards. Cage expressed that the lack of compensation did not bother him as he felt compelled to play the role of troubled screenwriter Ben in the film.
In Leaving Las Vegas, Cage's character, Ben, moves to Las Vegas and forms a relationship with a prostitute named Sera, played by Elizabeth Shue. The movie delves into their intersecting lives and garnered critical acclaim. Cage's dedication to the role was unwavering, regardless of payment.
