Entertainment
Emmy Awards postponed due to Hollywood strikes
This year’s Emmy Awards ceremony has been postponed, Sky News understands.
It was supposed to go ahead on 18 September but will now be pushed back – possibly until January, according to a source close to the plans.
They said the dual writers’ and actors’ strikes were the reason behind the postponement.
The Emmys recognise the best in US and international television and are among Hollywood’s most prestigious awards shows.
Fox Corporation, which is due to air the ceremony, would not comment.
Some 1,500 screenwriters, represented by the Writers’ Guild of America (WGA), took to the picket line when their contract ran out with major studios and streaming giants in May.
SAG-AFTRA, the union which represents approximately 160,000 actors, also announced strike action on 14 July after its contract expired and studios refused to meet its demands.
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It’s the first time in 63 years that a dual strike in Hollywood has occurred and the walkouts threaten to grind the industry to a halt.
Both unions are pushing studios for fair pay and guarantees that artificial intelligence will not threaten jobs.
As well as not filming, actors have pledged to stop promoting finished productions.
Stars such as Dwayne Johnson, Matt Damon, Margot Robbie and Succession’s Brian Cox are among those who have come out to publicly back the strikes.
The streaming boom – which provides the bulk of TV actors’ work – is a big factor in the dispute.
Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis on the picket line in New York
Actors and writers walk the picket line in front of Netflix’s headquarters building in Hollywood, Los Angeles on July 13, 2023. SAG-AFTRA announced to start striking on wage and use of AI on July 14th. ( The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images )
Series have become shorter, breaks between seasons longer, and unions say that although budgets are rising, that increase is not being reflected in the share of the money going to performers.
Residuals – payments for the reuse of credited work – are also much smaller on streamers compared to broadcast TV rates.
It’s unclear how long the strikes will last, but if it drags film releases may be delayed and television shows could go off air.
Numerous film festivals leading into awards season could also be hit.