The union is ripping the red carpet out from under the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.
OH, NO!
LOS ANGELES -- The union representing striking writers aimed a blow at the glamorous heart of Hollywood, refusing to allow its members to write for the Academy Awards or Golden Globe ceremonies.
The board of directors of the Writers Guild of America, West, decided not to give the academy an interim agreement for writing services, a person close to the guild said Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment. The person declined to say when the decision had been made.
The guild's move raised the temperature in the already heated contract dispute between writers and studios. Talks aimed at ending the costly strike, now in its seventh week, broke down Dec. 7 in a flurry of insults that has yet to cease.
After talks ended, the alliance claimed guild leaders were trying to increase their power at the expense of members. Union leaders accused the alliance of "lies" aimed at sowing doubt and dissension in union ranks.
Now the guild is casting the strike shadow over the Oscars, the industry's key showcase for its finest films and hottest actors. The Golden Globes represent another important promotional vehicle.
With the strike drawing support from the Screen Actors Guild, which faces its own contract negotiations next year, actors' participation as Oscar guests and presenters might be affected — diminishing the star power that drive TV viewership.
Jon Stewart, a writers guild member, was announced as host of the 80th Academy Awards ceremony set for Feb. 24. Stewart has honored the strike: His "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central has been in reruns since the walkout began.
An e-mail sent to Stewart's publicist seeking comment was not immediately returned Monday night.
Was Stewart's publicist afraid to write an e-mail? Honor that strike!
Does this mean no Joan Rivers pre-ceremony shtick?
That's not a bad thing.
I realize that the longer the strike goes on, the greater the impact on individuals and the economy overall.
But maybe something good will come of it. People might learn that there are better things to do than watch TV.
Life without Hollywood writers and studios is still worth living. Imagine that.
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Meanwhile, Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien will be back on TV with new shows on January 2.
As a viewer, that's good I guess.
It doesn't really matter to me. I've had no problem managing without them.
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