LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hollywood showcased a semblance of normalcy at the recent Academy Awards, despite the lingering effects of the industry's tumultuous year marked by labor disputes. The ceremony did not shy away from addressing the strikes that had left screenwriters and actors unemployed for a significant portion of 2023. This acknowledgment, notably more pronounced than in previous awards shows this season, comes as behind-the-scenes crews in Hollywood may be gearing up to challenge studios, while video game actors are on the brink of their own potential strike.
During the Oscars, host Jimmy Kimmel used his opening monologue to express solidarity with union members and behind-the-scenes workers, promising support from Hollywood's stars in return for the workers' backing during the previous year's industry standstill. The president of the actors guild, Fran Drescher, affirmed this support on the Oscars red carpet.
Kimmel highlighted the determination of writers, actors, and directors who stood firm during the strikes, emphasizing the need for protections against artificial intelligence in their negotiations. He extended gratitude to the various workers in Hollywood currently embroiled in labor disputes, inviting them on stage to thank them and assure them of Hollywood's support in their upcoming negotiations.
The historical context of labor struggles in Hollywood was also touched upon, underscoring the formation of guilds in the 1930s to counter fears of exploitation by studios. The potential strike of video game actors, represented by SAG-AFTRA, due to concerns over artificial intelligence replacing human roles, was discussed at a panel preceding the Oscars.
Meanwhile, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is set to resume talks with Hollywood studios next week, focusing on pay raises and safeguards against overwork for its 50,000 members in the Los Angeles area. The negotiations, which commenced last week, follow the precedent of talks three years ago that narrowly averted a strike but foreshadowed the industry upheaval of the past year.
As the industry grapples with significant changes, particularly related to artificial intelligence, stakeholders are navigating a complex landscape of labor negotiations. The evolving dynamics underscore the challenges faced by various sectors within the entertainment industry, prompting a reevaluation of labor practices and protections.
