The worst performance by an actor awarded an Oscar was his hammy, scenery chewing turn in “Leaving Las Vegas”.
He is a terrible actor.
And his personal life is not much better.
I think that Elisabeth Shue was fine in that movie...I may want to watch that movie again just to see her...
Nicolas Cage had a small part in the 80’s WWII Sean Penn/Elizabeth McGovern flick Racing With the Moon. Unfortunately it has a pro-abortion storyline, but otherwise it was a well-acted film with a good story.
Also, Cage starred in the 2002 film Adaptation. I remember liking Cage’s performance, probably his best along with Honeymoon in Vegas, and the movie got great reviews.