Hollywood Actors’ Contract Negotiations Reach No Resolution; Strike Vote Scheduled for Thursday Morning

The union representing film and television actors has announced that an agreement has not been reached with studios and streaming services. The leadership of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists will convene on Thursday to vote on whether to proceed with a strike.

The decision on joining the ongoing strike by screenwriters will be carefully considered during the meeting. If the actors opt to strike, it will mark the first time since 1960 that both actors and writers picket film and television productions.

In an early Thursday statement, the actors’ guild declared the conclusion of negotiations without a contract. This announcement followed the recent unveiling of Emmy nominations, which recognize outstanding work in television.

“The companies have shown a lack of willingness to address certain matters and have completely disregarded others. Without genuine negotiation, reaching a mutually beneficial agreement is impossible,” stated Fran Drescher, the current president of the actors’ guild, best known for her role in “The Nanny.” There has been no immediate response from the studios’ negotiating group.

The actors’ guild previously obtained nearly unanimous authorization for a strike.

Should the actors proceed with a strike, they will join forces with the screenwriters on picket lines outside studios and filming locations. Their collective goal is to secure improved terms from studios and streaming giants such as Netflix and Amazon.

The Writers Guild of America has been on strike since early May, causing disruptions in the production of films and television series on both coasts and in major production centers like Atlanta.

Key issues being negotiated include the unregulated use of artificial intelligence and the impact of the streaming ecosystem on residual pay, a consequence of the industry’s recent developments.

In a show of solidarity, actors have stood alongside writers on picket lines for several weeks. An actors’ strike would impede performers from working on sets or promoting their projects.

Whether the cast of Christopher Nolan’s film “Oppenheimer” attends the London premiere scheduled for Thursday remains uncertain, contingent upon the actors’ decision to strike.

During a photo event on Wednesday, actor Matt Damon expressed hope that a strike could be avoided. However, he emphasized the importance of a fair contract for many actors struggling to make a living.

“We need to protect those who are barely making ends meet,” Damon told The Big Big News. “To qualify for health insurance, you have to earn $26,000 a year. For many individuals, residual payments are what help them reach that threshold. If those payments disappear, so does their healthcare. That’s simply unacceptable. We must find a fair solution.”

The imminent strike has cast a shadow over the upcoming 75th Emmy Awards. The nominations were announced on Wednesday, with the strike weighing heavily on the minds of many nominees.

“People are taking a stand and demanding fair compensation,” remarked Jessica Chastain, an Oscar winner nominated for her first Emmy Award for her portrayal of Tammy Wynette in “George & Tammy.” Speaking to the AP, she added, “It’s evident that certain streaming platforms have revolutionized our industry and the way we work, yet the contracts haven’t kept pace with this innovation.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hollywood actors, strike

More about Hollywood actors, strike

• Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
• Writers Guild of America (WGA)
• Emmy Awards Official Website