In a stunning turn of events, the A-list cast of the highly anticipated film, Oppenheimer made an abrupt exit during its London premiere, coinciding with the first major strike by the Hollywood actors’ union in over four decades.
The red carpet outside the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square cinema was graced by the presence of renowned actors Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Cillian Murphy, and Florence Pugh. However, before the movie’s showing, director Christopher Nolan surprised the audience inside the theatre by revealing their sudden departure.
Source: CNN
Acknowledging the earlier red carpet appearance of the actors, Nolan lamented, “Unfortunately, they’re off to write their picket signs for what we believe to be an imminent strike by SAG (Screen Actors Guild). They are joining one of my guilds, the Writers Guild, in the struggle for fair wages for working members of their union.”
Source: NDTV
SAG-AFTRA initiates strike
Following months of unsuccessful negotiations with Hollywood studios for a new film and television contract, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), representing around 160,000 members, initiated a strike at midnight on the West Coast on Friday. This strike coincided with the ongoing picket lines of the Writers Guild of America, with approximately 11,000 members already on strike since early May.
Source: Deadline
Points of Contention
In accordance with the union’s strike rules, actors are prohibited from promoting their work through premieres, interviews, personal appearances, conventions, fan expos, or festivals.
Key points of contention for both actors and writers include residuals from streaming services and the utilisation of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.
Word for the SAG-AFTRA
During a news conference, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher criticised the studios, accusing them of “pleading poverty” while allocating millions to their CEOs. She argued that they were on the “wrong side of history” at this critical moment.
Fran Drescher, President of SAG-AFTRA. Source: HIS education
As the film industry grapples with this significant strike, the Oppenheimer premiere walkout amplifies the ongoing revolution, underscoring the actors’ determination to fight for fair working conditions and just compensation.
