Taraji P. Henson, Bill Hader, Padma Lakshmi and Tyler James Williams
Momodu Mansaray/WireImage; Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images; Victor Boyko/Getty Images; John Kopalov/Getty Images
The announcement of the 75th annual Emmy nominations created as much chaos as it did the jubilation and celebration on Wednesday, as some of television’s most honored stars expected the SAG-AFTRA strike to be officially called a day later — resulting in an immediate shutdown of the Emmys. Campaigns, as strike rules prohibit any promotion of TV series produced by AMPTP members.
As usual on the day of the Emmy nominations, Hollywood Reporter He spoke to many nominated actors hours after learning of their gestures — but this year, the impending strike was an unavoidable topic of conversation. As Sheryl Lee Ralph, a SAG negotiating panelist who also received her second consecutive Emmy nomination for Abbott ElementaryTell THR On Wednesday, “We’re not big multimillion-dollar companies. No, we’re human, and we want to enjoy what we do, and we want to live for it. That’s what this is about.”
Below, see what the nominees — including Niecy Nash-Betts, Taraji P. Henson, Bill Hader, Paul Walter Hauser, Tyler James Williams, Kathryn Hahn, Diego Luna, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Padma Lakshmi, and more — had to say about this historic moment. in Hollywood.
Anthony Carrigan (Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Barry)
“Obviously, it’s a very difficult time right now, and we’re on the eve of times that are probably even more turbulent. But I really hope that actors and writers can come up with deals that make them feel like we’re protected, that we’re compensated and that we’re human beings — real, living human beings who value this art. Because there is no such thing as the real thing.”
Phil Dunster (Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Ted Lasso)
“It’s hard, isn’t it? The decisions we make aren’t really in our hands, but I’ve always been a supporter of our unions and a supporter of the right to strike. I support SAG in these ongoing negotiations to find a deal that is not only right for the actors but fair.”
Dominique Fishback (lead actress in a limited series, swarm)
“I think all artists deserve to be fairly compensated and respected for the hard work that they do. We go out to do projects and leave our family and friends, sometimes for months at a time. You spend hours on set, and it affects your personal life. I wouldn’t trade it at all.” I love what I do, and there are other ways to make artists feel respected and appreciated. I’m in a place where I’m not trying to control the things I can’t control. Today is just about celebrating and living every moment by moment, and whatever happens with strike happens, anything that’s supposed to to be “.
Bill Hader (lead actor in a comedy series, writes for a comedy series, directs for a comedy series, Barry)
“I just hope a deal gets done, we get a fair shake. It’s a very important hit. Sometimes people think people are overzealous or something, but it’s a big thing. I’m really proud of everyone.” [who worked] on the show, especially our writers, and I’m so proud that we’ve had four seasons of the show [and] We got a Best Series nomination [every year]. Personally, this is a really great feeling.”
Kathryn Hahn (lead actress in a limited series, Little beautiful things)
“My advice to young actors is to know this is for the rest of their careers. Just know and trust that this matters. This is the time to dig deep and read and to remember that this will be resolved when it needs to be resolved. It’s a strange time. The future happens, and change happens with the future.” It can be uncomfortable, you know, sometimes you wish things didn’t go to these places…. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and my optimism intact that things will turn out better for the industry, for all my friends in all the crew and other departments that I love so much. That’s about it. With the whole group that will be an opportunity to lift each other up. I hope everyone gets what they deserve.”
Paul Walter Hauser (Supporting Actor in a Limited Series, blackbird)
“I think our stream operators and our studios…are part of what allows these great stories to be told, and I greatly appreciate what they have done for us and continue to do. That said, no one wants to be in an abusive relationship where one group kind of lords over the other and belittles Slowly but surely they’re coming back in. I think it’s an abomination, and I hope the studios and broadcast screens have [their] Hearts in the right place. We all need each other, and we do [need to] I acknowledge that these creatives work on their butts and are crazy talented, live in expensive cities like Los Angeles and New York, and have families. I feel for those people, and I hope the viewers and the studios feel that, too.”
Taraji P. Henson (Guest Actress in Comedy Series, Abbott Elementary)
“I am really concerned about this AI movement. [I saw a video] On social media where Nicki Minaj’s photo was completely used. Oh my God, have we reached this point? I mean, you hear about it, you read about it, but once you actually see it happening, that’s when it’s like, we have a really big problem here. And now I’m really in the fight. But I am in a position to strike. My concern is actors who may not be as financially stable as I am. My heart goes out to the book, people just want to work in this economy. You know, people just want to work. And I just hate it. It’s all greed. Greed will be the end of humanity. You can’t just steal the likeness of humans; You can’t do all that work you do as an artist for some computer to generate you. this is not fair “.
Theo James (Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, white lotus)
“There needs to be unity and support for writers. Everything we do as actors starts with the written word, and if there is no equivalence in that sense, we won’t do what we do. We need to support that as much as possible. And then in terms of AI [all] – Because it’s hard to imagine now, but it will change very quickly – I understand and support that there should be a language there for writers who will be protected from it [AI influence]. Don’t write verbatim texts but there must be an element of protection.
Padma Lakshmi (Reality or competition host, top chef; hosted a story series or special, Taste the nation with Padma Lakshmi)
“I think a lot of things [that SAG-AFTRA is fighting for] It is the same thing we are fighting for in the Writers Syndicate. I am a member of the Eastern Writers Guild; I don’t think I’m an active member because I haven’t written anything in three years, but I am a member, and I definitely am a SAG member. I think everyone on set is important to the creative process, especially the people who created the material, as well as the people who interpret the material. I look forward to a just solution on both fronts and soon. I guess it won’t be soon, but I hope it will be soon.”
Diego Luna (Nominated as Executive Producer for Best Drama Series, Andor)
“I really hope things get better and that things get resolved soon and that we have a healthy environment for everyone, not just the actors, but everyone who works in this industry. I’m worried about what’s to come, but [I’m] Supporting the strike and supporting the union. I think it’s very cool what we’ve seen with the book and what’s happening today with SAG. We live in a polarized world, where there never seems to be any agreement. It gives me hope to see people unite, you know? People unite, understand the power of numbers, and fight as one. This is an important reminder today of what we as citizens of this world must do: work together and find solutions to make it happen because they need it. I really hope this brings out the best in everyone and that we will soon be able to get back to work and in a scenario that is fairer and fairer for everyone.”
Niecy Nash-Betts (Supporting Actress, Limited Series, Dahmer – The Beast: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story)
“You gotta eat one elephant bite at a time. Today we celebrate, tomorrow is another day. We want to make sure everyone is.” [working] Under a contract they feel good about. I just wish hearts and minds would agree and get to it sooner rather than later.”
Tyler James Williams (Best Supporting Actor, Abbott Elementary)
“For years, I’ve had friends who are series regulars on shows and they can’t afford to live in LA. We’ve been talking about this for years since the broadcast model came along. It’s almost impossible to officially live in LA where most TV shows are filmed or have to be.” Your space is on a 10-episode arc under an exclusive deal with no residuals. It’s not sustainable. And it’s weird to see that happen to people. I know it’s going to be scary at first; it’s going to be a tough time for a lot of people because, you know, we don’t work.” We need to work these things out. We cannot continue to let them pass and leave it up to the individual actors to negotiate with themselves, because they are not always in a strong position to do so. As a union, we have to protect each other. That’s a long time, to be completely honest with you. May reduces the episode [run] to Abbott Season three or whenever we go back to filming, but that’s neither here nor there. The point is that [actors] They should be able to live and sustain life, just as writers should, too.”
Kirsten Choba, Hilton Dresden, Chris Gardner, Ksenia Hamilton, Sydney Odman and Esther Zuckerman contributed reporting.
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