LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hollywood showcased a semblance of normalcy at the recent Academy Awards, despite the lingering effects of the industry's tumultuous year marked by labor disputes. The ceremony did not shy away from addressing the strikes that had left screenwriters and actors unemployed for a significant portion of 2023. This acknowledgment, notably more pronounced than in previous awards shows this season, comes as behind-the-scenes crews in Hollywood may be gearing up to challenge studios, while video game actors are on the brink of their own potential strike.
During the Oscars, host Jimmy Kimmel used his opening monologue to express solidarity with union members and behind-the-scenes workers, promising support from Hollywood's stars in return for the workers' backing during the previous year's industry standstill. The president of the actors guild, Fran Drescher, affirmed this support on the Oscars red carpet.
