Meryl Streep and others join SAG-AFTRA strike

Meryl Streep and others join SAG-AFTRA strikeMeryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, Brad Pitt and others have united with 160,000 actors to vote in favor of the strike.

by Precious Simpasa

16-07-2023 10:38

in Entertainment

Meryl Streep and other actors join the SAGAFTRA strike. Image: Instagram via strikeupdates

Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, and 160,000 actors join the SAG-AFTRA strike in solidarity, the strike was confirmed on 13 July 2023.

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ALSO READ: Hollywood actors' union launches industry-wide strike

SAG-AFTRA STRIKE: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH In a groundbreaking move that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, two of the industry's most acclaimed actresses, Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence, have united with 160,000 actors to vote in favour of a strike. This decision has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future of the entertainment industry. This caused disruption at the premiere of Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated wartime drama, Oppenheimer', reports Variety.

The strike is in full swing. Image: Instagram @strikeupdates During the star-studded event in London, Nolan, known for his blockbuster hits such as The Dark Knight , expressed his gratitude to the remarkable cast. However, the premiere took an unexpected turn when Cillian Murphy and others walked out in solidarity with the strike announcement. Nolan acknowledged the immense support from a lengthy list of actors, including Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Kenneth Branagh, and Rami Malek.

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SAG-AFTRA STRIKE DETAILS The strike, authorized by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), follows the breakdown of negotiations between the union and streaming giants. The key points of contention revolve around fair profit-sharing from streaming platforms. It also addresses concerns regarding the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the employment of actors.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher hits the streets in Hollywood in support of the actors strike:

I m not really here for me as much as the 99.9% of the membership who are working people, who are just trying to make a living that are being squeezed out of their livelihood. pic.twitter.com/O7GRnKfJUT

The Recount (@therecount) July 14, 2023

Fran Drescher takes a stand. Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA, voiced disappointment in the companies' lack of meaningful engagement. She accused them of stonewalling crucial topics. The strike not only affects actors but also joins forces with the ongoing writers' strike, marking the first time since 1960 that both groups have simultaneously taken action.

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The impact of the strike extends beyond just the immediate dispute. The rise of digital streaming platforms and the broader technological landscape have forced the industry to deal with a rapidly changing industry. The unresolved issues at hand, if left unaddressed, could have consequences for the future of the entertainment business.

As negotiations between the unions and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) faltered, hopes for a quick resolution diminished. Brian Cox, the lead actor in HBO's Succession , warned that the strike could continue until the end of the year. The absence of new content could disrupt cinemas, leaving viewers with limited options beyond reality TV and live sports.

ALSO READ: Why Meryl Streep's 2017 Golden Globes speech is important for us South Africans

As the strike continues, uncertainty looms over the industry. The coming months will test the resolve of both sides as they seek to find common ground and reshape the future of the entertainment world.

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