Numerous prominent actors, including George Clooney and Matt Damon, have publicly expressed their solidarity with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) strike. This marks the first actors' strike since 1980 and the first simultaneous strike with the writers' union since 1960, during Ronald Reagan's SAG-AFTRA presidency. The strike arises from concerns about the impact of streaming services on actors' livelihoods, particularly regarding fair compensation and access to health coverage.
Clooney emphasized the strike as a crucial moment for the industry, highlighting the financial struggles faced by many actors and writers. Damon stressed the importance of residuals for actors' health coverage, characterizing the situation as a matter of survival rather than an abstract issue. Emily Blunt, Damon's co-star in "Oppenheimer," affirmed their commitment to standing with fellow actors in seeking a fair agreement.
The "Oppenheimer" cast, including Blunt, Damon, Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, and Kenneth Branagh, left the London premiere in a show of support as the strike was announced. SAG-AFTRA strike regulations prohibit members from filming, attending premieres, engaging in press activities, and participating in project promotions. Margot Robbie, at the London premiere of "Barbie," also confirmed her support for the strike.
