Less than six weeks from the 91st Oscars, the film academy has remained tight-lipped about its plans for the show and whether it will have a host.
But in a bold accusation Monday, the SAG-AFTRA performers guild said the motion picture academy has been active on the awards show front, alleging that it has been using intimidation in an attempt to limit actors from presenting on awards shows other than the Oscars.
"We have received multiple reports of these activities and have experienced firsthand the Academy's graceless pressure tactics and attempts to control the awards show talent pipeline," the statement read, going on to accuse the academy of "self-serving intimidation" to keep its members from presenting at the SAG Awards ceremony.
The motion picture academy did not respond to a request for comment.
The SAG Awards will be held on Jan. 27 at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium, airing on TNT and TBS. Megan Mullally was announced as host in December. Presenters have yet to be revealed.
The full statement from SAG-AFTRA follows:
"SAG-AFTRA has fielded numerous requests to respond to assertions that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences exerts extraordinary and unwarranted pressure on talent to hold them from appearing at other award presentations.
We have received multiple reports of these activities and have experienced firsthand the Academy's graceless pressure tactics and attempts to control the awards show talent pipeline. Awards season is a very special time when actors and actresses are being appropriately celebrated and recognized for the outstanding quality of their work. We would expect the Academy to honor these goals.
This self-serving intimidation of SAG-AFTRA members is meant to limit their opportunities to be seen and honor the work of their fellow artists throughout the season. Actors should be free to accept any offer to participate in industry celebrations.
The apparent attempt by the Academy to keep our members from presenting on their own awards show is utterly outrageous and unacceptable. The SAG Awards supports their union's operations and important charitable assistance programs that provide valuable support to performers.
We call on the Academy to cease this inappropriate action."
