Celebrities Set to Shine at Venice Film Festival Despite Strike
Get ready for some star power at the 2023 Venice Film Festival! Even though the SAG-AFTRA strike is ongoing, familiar faces like Adam Driver and Jessica Chastain are gearing up to grace the annual event. The festival, starting on August 30 and running until September 9, will welcome these A-listers, thanks to a special waiver from the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
The guild clarified that this agreement allows actors to promote their indie projects not produced by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The catch? They can’t promote any projects connected to the struck companies through press appearances, red carpets, or conventions. The statement encourages unity among performers and emphasizes the importance of supporting fellow members.
A-List Support for SAG-AFTRA Strike Grows
Hollywood’s biggest names are stepping up in solidarity with the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. This labor union, representing over 160,000 TV and film actors, voted for a strike due to disagreements with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The picket lines have seen famous faces, bolstering the union’s cause.
Attending festivals with non-major studio projects becomes a source of pride for the union. This sends a strong message to corporate leaders, highlighting the success of independent endeavors while questioning their own priorities.
Stars on the Festival Radar
Expect a glittering presence at Venice! Adam Driver, 39, will shine in Micheal Mann’s “Ferrari,” embodying the titular character. Jessica Chastain, 46, is gracing the event for Michel Franco’s “Memory.” Not just them—Landry Jones, Jacob Elordi, Cailee Spaeny, and Mads Mikkelsen will also be in the spotlight.
Labor Unions Stand Together
SAG-AFTRA’s strike began in July, while the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) started picketing in May. Both unions share similar grievances with the AMPTP, concerning fair wages, residuals, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the industry. These strikes reflect a united push for better industry standards.
“This is a very seminal hour for us. I went in thinking that we would be able to avert a strike. The gravity of this move is not lost on me,” said Fran Drescher, the guild’s president. She emphasized the far-reaching consequences of the strike on various industries. “We had no choice. We are the victims here. We are being victimized by a very greedy entity.”
AMPTP Responds
Meanwhile, the AMPTP, representing major studios like Paramount, Netflix, and more, expressed disappointment in the breakdown of negotiations. They made it clear that the strike was the union’s decision, not theirs. The conflict between the unions and the AMPTP continues as Hollywood’s spotlight shifts between picket lines and film festivals.