Drew Barrymore Steps Down as Awards Host Amid Show’s Return During Strike – National Headlines

Drew Barrymore will not host the 74th U.S. National Book Awards after choosing to continue the production of her daytime talk show during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

The National Book Foundation withdrew their offer to Barrymore, 48, on Tuesday, a day after filming for the fourth season of The Drew Barrymore Show began.

“The National Book Awards is an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of literature, and the incomparable contributions of writers to our culture,” the foundation said in a statement. “In light of the announcement that ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ will resume production, the National Book Foundation has rescinded Ms. Barrymore’s invitation to host the 74th National Book Awards Ceremony.”

“Our commitment is to ensure that the focus of the Awards remains on celebrating writers and books, and we are grateful to Ms. Barrymore and her team for their understanding in this situation.”

Barrymore has not publicly commented on her removal as host.

High-ranking members of the National Book Foundation have previously praised Barrymore for promoting and discussing books on her talk show.

Resuming production of ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’

The Drew Barrymore Show started filming new episodes at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City this week, despite no resolution in the ongoing writers’ strike.

As a result, episodes filmed during the strike will not involve any writers who are part of the Writers Guild of America (WGA).

Barrymore previously stated that she takes personal responsibility for the decision to resume production.

“We are in compliance with not discussing or promoting film and television that is struck of any kind,” the actor of 50 First Dates defended in a statement released on Sunday.

The decision has angered members and supporters of the WGA, some of whom protested outside the CBS Broadcast Center during Monday’s filming. Several striking staff writers from The Drew Barrymore attended and carried picket signs while chanting, “We don’t get it. Shut it down!”

“The only people I know for sure that are not going back are us three WGA writers. And the rest, I can’t really speak for,” Chelsea White, one of the show’s writers, told NPR at the picket line. “I think first and foremost, this is obviously way bigger than just The Drew Barrymore Show and writers. We are out here standing with our union and feeling great and excited always to stand with our union.”

Writers Guild of America, East stated that any writing currently being done on The Drew Barrymore Show is a violation of the WGA strike.

Since production of the talk show has continued regardless, many WGA members and supporters have questioned whether Barrymore is a “scab” or if she will employ “scab writers” in place of union members (a “scab” is someone who crosses picket lines to work in place of a striking employee).

“Sooo who is writing her opening monologue and literally everything else on this show when it starts up again next week? Scab writers?!” actor Felicia Day questioned. “Ughhhh gross Drew Barrymore. Gross.”

It is not yet clear who will be writing for The Drew Barrymore Show during the strike. Most episodes typically had at least three writers.

Barrymore’s work as host of the talk show does not violate any strike rules. According to Variety, actors on CBS’ The Drew Barrymore Show are covered by a different SAG-AFTRA contract than the one currently in dispute.

The National Book Awards ceremony will take place on November 15 in New York City

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