Cage to explore opportunities outside acting

Nassau, Bahamas – After more than 55 films, Nicolas Cage plans to cut back on acting to pursue other interests, such as helping develop independent cinema in his new home of the Bahamas.

“I’m thinking about taking more time in between movies,” the Oscar winner told The Associated Press backstage at the third annual Bahamas International Film Festival.

“I feel I’ve made a lot of movies already and I want to start exploring other opportunities that I can apply myself to, whether it’s writing or other interests that I may develop,” he said.

Cage was in Nassau late Friday to receive the Chopard Award for career achievement. Fellow actor Sean Connery, Cage’s co-star in the 1996 thriller “The Rock,” presented the award at the Atlantis Theater in Paradise Island.

“Nic is a professional and brings to the table all the stuff that makes it a real joy,” Connery said.

Cage, who won a best-actor Oscar for 1995’s “Leaving Las Vegas,” owns a house in Paradise Island and bought an undeveloped private island in the Exuma Cays this year.

He said he hopes the film festival continues to grow. Some 50 narrative, documentary and short films from around the world are being showcased during the four-day festival, which began Thursday.

Alec Baldwin moderates nuclear plant discussion

Trenton, N.J. – Actor Alec Baldwin has lent support to New Jersey residents worried about the relicensing of a southern New Jersey nuclear power plant.

Baldwin moderated a Friday night discussion at Rutgers University Law School in Newark about the Oyster Creek nuclear power plant, which is seeking a 20-year renewal for its license; the license is set to expire in 2009.

Area residents have expressed concern about the plant’s safety. The 630-megawatt plant, which is owned by Chicago-based Exelon Corp., is the oldest commercial nuclear power plant in the United States.

“The people who are in favor of the license renewal are looking to line their pockets,” Baldwin, who has a leading role in the NBC prime-time comedy “30 Rock,” told the Asbury Park Press of Neptune for Saturday’s papers. “We don’t stand to make any money. Our goal is purely public health and safety.”

The Nuclear Energy Institute, an industry lobbying organization, sought permission to participate in the rally but was denied. Baldwin, who has also starred in such movies as “The Cooler” and “Glengarry Glen Ross,” made no apologies.

“Only the NEI would make themselves out to be some sort of political prisoner in this debate,” he said.