The superstars are coming out now with big money and picket signs for SAG strikers.
SAG says a bunch of stars have donated $1 million apiece to their fund for strikers. They include George and Amal Clooney, Luciana and Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness, Dwayne Johnson, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, Julia Roberts, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Meryl Streep, and Oprah Winfrey.
There’s also word today that Cate Blanchett has cancelled a film festival appearance in Europe for a film she produced. Sean Penn was seen on a picket line in Los Angeles. More and more stars are stepping up and joining the hundreds of actors who’ve been picketing for the last month — and in the case of the Writers Guild, for 100 days.
As I wrote last night, on Friday the AMPTP will finally talk to the WGA about setting up negotiations.
In the background, as I wrote last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom is trying to back channel between the studios and the unions to get this catastrophe solved before Los Angeles has an economic crisis.
Meryl Streep said in a statement: “I remember my days as a waiter, cleaner, typist, even my time on the unemployment line. In this strike action, I am lucky to be able to support those who will struggle in a long action to sustain against Goliath. We will stand strong together against these powerful corporations who are bent on taking the humanity, the human dignity, even the human out of our profession. I am proudest of my fellow actors who have immediately offered to fund the Emergency Financial Assistance Program.”
Clooney thanked SAG-AFTRA Foundation president Courtney B. Vance (acclaimed actor and husband of Angela Bassett) for organizing the fundraising efforts.
“We stand ready to get back to the table and make a fair deal with the AMPTP. Until then, I’m proud to be able to support the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and my fellow actors who may be struggling in this historic moment. We’ve stood on the shoulders of the likes of Bette Davis and Jimmy Cagney and it’s time for our generation to give something back. I can’t thank Courtney enough for his determination in putting this effort together by shedding light on the human toll happening right now, and how we can work together to alleviate some of the pain and suffering.”
