Hollywood actors have been on strike for almost three weeks, engaging in various forms of protest and utilizing social media to amplify their message. Examples of their actions include Harrison Ford’s stunt double safely lighting himself on fire at a protest in Georgia and Fran Drescher, the president of the actors’ union, speaking out against “greed-driven” studios at a New York City Council meeting.
However, there has been a question regarding the absence of A-list stars on the SAG-AFTRA picket line. Variety, the entertainment trade magazine, highlighted this query in a headline on July 24. As it turns out, iconic actors Meryl Streep and George Clooney have chosen a different approach to show their support.
The SAG-AFTRA Foundation, a charity that provides financial assistance to working performers, announced that Streep and Clooney have spearheaded a donation campaign that has raised over $15 million in the past three weeks. Each of them contributed $1 million and then actively lobbied other top-earning stars in Hollywood for contributions. To keep track of their efforts, a Google Doc was created.
Eight additional stars, namely Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Hugh Jackman, Dwayne Johnson, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Oprah Winfrey, donated $1 million or more. Furthermore, star couples Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, as well as Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, also made significant contributions.
In a statement, Streep expressed her empathy, reminiscing about her own experiences as a waiter, cleaner, typist, and even time spent on the unemployment line. She emphasized the importance of supporting those who will face challenges during a prolonged strike against powerful entities. Clooney echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the need for their generation to give back, acknowledging the actors who paved the way in the past.
Dwayne Johnson’s contribution was disclosed by Courtney B. Vance, the president of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, who appealed to high-earning actors at the beginning of the strike. The resulting publicity boosted support for the Streep-Clooney campaign.
Some actors within the union earn substantial incomes, but Drescher highlighted that 86% of the union’s 160,000 members make less than $26,500 per year. The foundation’s financial assistance program is currently processing an unprecedented number of applications for emergency aid, indicating the urgency of the situation.
The strike has attracted attention from the public, with Lupita Nyong’o, Colin Farrell, Jane Fonda, Awkwafina, and Brendan Fraser, the reigning Oscar winner for best actor, actively participating in picket lines. However, the involvement of elite actors can create ambiguity around the strike’s key message, particularly as it revolves around pay minimums. Security concerns and the potential influx of fans also pose additional challenges.
The duration of the actors’ strike remains uncertain, and screenwriters are also participating in the strike. However, industry insiders expect it to continue for several more weeks, at the very least. The previous SAG-AFTRA strike occurred in 1980.
The actors’ union aims to secure fair wages for its members, especially in the context of movies and TV shows created for streaming platforms. Actors are also concerned about the potential use of artificial intelligence technology to replicate their likeness or digitally alter their performances without compensation or approval.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which negotiates on behalf of Hollywood companies, maintains its commitment to reaching a fair deal during this challenging time for an industry significantly impacted by the streaming revolution, further accelerated by the pandemic.
In response to the strike, the alliance expressed regret that the union had chosen a path that would cause financial hardships for countless thousands of people who rely on the industry.
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