Actors are among those in Hollywood reacting to the tentative agreement reached between SAG-AFTRA and studios and streamers on Wednesday.
The deal on a new three-year contract came after 118 days into the actor strike and after weeks of renewed negotiations. The strike will end at 12:01 a.m. Thursday as the deal goes to the union’s national board for approval on Friday. If the deal is ratified, the contract could go into effect soon.
In a statement shared with members, SAG-AFTRA said of the agreement, “In a contract valued at over one billion dollars, we have achieved a deal of extraordinary scope that includes ‘above-pattern’ minimum compensation increases, unprecedented provisions for consent and compensation that will protect members from the threat of AI, and for the first time establishes a streaming participation bonus. Our Pension & Health caps have been substantially raised, which will bring much needed value to our plans. In addition, the deal includes numerous improvements for multiple categories including outsize compensation increases for background performers, and critical contract provisions protecting diverse communities.”
Following the announcement, actors, including Mandy Moore, Alec Baldwin, Octavia Spencer and Noah Schnapp, were quick to take to social media to share their excitement about the strike finally ending.
Fran Drescher, president of SAG-AFTRA who has been at the front of negotiations, wrote on Instagram, “We did it!!!! The Billion+ $ Deal! 3X the last contract! New ground was broke everywhere!Ty sag aftra members for hanging in and holding out for this historic deal! Ty neg comm, strike captains, staff, Duncan & Ray, our lawyers, the IA team , family and friends. Our sister unions for their unrelenting support! And the amptp for hearing us and meeting this moment!”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen shared in a statement following the news, “I am grateful that a fair agreement has been reached between SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP after a more than 100 day strike that impacted millions in Los Angeles and throughout the country. Those on the line have been the hardest hit during this period and there have been ripple effects throughout our entire city. Today’s tentative agreement is going to impact nearly every part of our economy. Now, we must lean in on local production to ensure that our entertainment industry rebounds stronger than ever and our economy is able to get back on its feet.”
This Is Us star Moore wrote on her Instagram Story, “Thank you @sagaftra negotiators and leadership for getting us over the finish line!!!! Gratitude is the attitude!! And grateful to all those who walked the walk (picketers, strike captains, Our fellow union brothers and sisters, etc…)”
Baldwin shared a video on Instagram, congratulating “each and every person, on both sides, who are responsible for this great occasion.”
Hidden Figures star Spencer shared on social media, “Ready to work now that the strike is over! Congratulations and thank you to our @sagaftra negotiating committee! Proud to stand in solidarity with all SAG members over the last 118 days.”
Schnapp, star in Stranger Things, simply wrote on his Instagram Story, “We did it!!!,” while Abbott Elementary star and creator Quinta Brunson wrote, “Oh, we’re very back.”
Daniel Dae Kim, actor in Lost, wrote, “Woo hooo!!!! Let’s hope the deal is fair and we can get back to work!”
Kumail Nanjiani, The Big Sick actor, shared on X (formerly Twitter), “YES!!! Hallelujah. I can tweet a certain trailer that I am VERY EXCITED ABOUT at midnight.”
Charmed star Alyssa Milano wrote on her Instagram Story, “Strike is over! Thanks to all who fought so hard for this historic contract!!!”
Read more initial reactions below.
