Star-Studded Solidarity: Matt Damon, Margot Robbie, and A-List Celebs Rally Behind the SAG-AFTRA Strike

After failed negotiations with studios regarding fairer wages, the integration of artificial intelligence in media, and various other matters, members of SAG-AFTRA are expressing their solidarity. Fran Drescher, the president of SAG, announced on July 13th that the union, which advocates for more than 160,000 television and film actors, will go on strike alongside the Writer's Guild of America following unsuccessful discussions with the AMPTP for a new contract.

“This is a pivotal moment for us. I initially believed that we could prevent a strike. The significance of this decision is not lost on me,” Drescher expressed during a press conference on Thursday, according to NBC News. “It is a very serious matter that affects thousands, if not millions of individuals nationwide and globally. Not only members of our union, but also those employed in other industries that support the individuals working in this field. ... We had no alternative. We are the ones being victimized. We are suffering the consequences of a highly greedy organization.”

Meanwhile, the AMPTP shared in a statement their profound disappointment with SAG-AFTRA's decision to withdraw from negotiations, stating, "This is the Union’s choice, not ours. In doing so, they have rejected our offer of unprecedented salary and residual increases, significantly higher limits on pension and health contributions, safeguards for auditions, reduced options for series contracts, an innovative proposal concerning the protection of actors' digital likenesses, and more."

The statement further stated that instead of continuing negotiations, SAG-AFTRA has chosen a path that will exacerbate the financial difficulties faced by thousands of individuals who rely on the industry for their livelihoods. SAG-AFTRA has a membership of 160,000, while the Writers Guild of America boasts over 11,000 members.

This decision by SAG signifies the first time since 1960 that both the writers' and actors' unions are striking concurrently. While the WGA strike, which commenced in May, resulted in the suspension of certain projects during production, SAG's involvement means that all TV and film productions will immediately halt indefinitely. Additionally, actors will be unable to promote any current or upcoming projects during the course of the strike.

Keep scrolling to see which actors have shown their support for the SAG-AFTRA strike: 

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Matt Damon, Margot Robbie and More Stars Show Support for the SAG-AFTRA Strike

Members of SAG-AFTRA are demonstrating their solidarity following the unsuccessful negotiations between the labor union and studios regarding equitable compensation, the incorporation of artificial intelligence in media, and various other matters.

On Thursday, July 13, SAG's president, Fran Drescher, affirmed that the union, which advocates for more than 160,000 television and film actors, will engage in a strike in conjunction with the Writer's Guild of America, subsequent to unproductive discussions with the AMPTP concerning the formation of a fresh contractual agreement.

"This is a critical moment for us. I went into this with the hope of avoiding a strike. I fully understand the significance of this decision," stated Drescher during a press conference on Thursday, according to NBC News. "It is a very serious matter that affects thousands, if not millions, of people across the country and around the world. Not only does it impact our union members, but also those who work in other industries that support our industry... We had no other choice. We are the ones being victimized. We are facing the consequences of a highly greedy entity."

On the other hand, the AMPTP expressed their disappointment in a statement, stating that they are "deeply disappointed that SAG-AFTRA has chosen to end the negotiations," and added, "This decision was made by the Union, not us. Despite this, we offered historic salary and residual increases, significantly higher limits on pension and health contributions, audition safeguards, shortened series option periods, a groundbreaking AI proposal to protect actors' digital likenesses, and more."

The statement further stated that instead of continuing negotiations, SAG-AFTRA's actions will worsen the financial struggles of many individuals who rely on the industry for their livelihoods. SAG-AFTRA has a total of 160,000 members, while the Writers Guild of America has over 11,000 members.

This decision by SAG is significant as it is the first time since 1960 that both the writers and actors unions are on strike simultaneously. The ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America, which started in May, already resulted in the halt of certain projects. However, the addition of SAG's strike means that all TV and film productions will immediately go on an indefinite hiatus. Furthermore, actors will not be able to promote any of their current or future projects during the strike.

Keep scrolling to see which actors have shown their support for the SAG-AFTRA strike: 

Credit: ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Oppenheimer Cast

The cast of the biopic made an appearance on the red carpet during their London premiere on July 13. However, they ultimately departed the event early due to the official declaration of the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Emily Blunt, speaking to Deadline, expressed the cast's solidarity by stating, "If they declare the strike, we will leave together as a unified cast, standing with everyone. It's something we have to do. But for now, we are enjoying the pleasure of being together."

Christopher Nolan, the director of the film, subsequently validated that the cast departed because of the "battle for equitable remuneration."

In the meantime, Matt Damon emphasized the significance of the strike during an Oppenheimer event the day before, stating to the Associated Press, "The cause that we would strike for, if we do, holds immense importance. We must safeguard those who are residing on the fringes."

Damon emphasized that in order to qualify for health insurance, one needs to earn an annual income of $26,000. This requirement has placed many actors in a situation where they rely on residual payments to surpass this threshold. However, if these residual payments cease, so does their access to healthcare, which is utterly unacceptable.

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Issa Rae

"Well, everything is f—ked," Rae quipped via her Instagram Story on July 13.

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Odette Annable

"Just witnessed today's press conference discussing the @sagaftra strike," Odette wrote on her Instagram account on July 13. "I have been a member of Sag/Aftra since 1990, ever since I was just 5 years old. I am incredibly grateful to be part of a union that is dedicated to protecting the future of performers. At this critical time, we need it more than ever! Although no one desires a strike, the decision was made after careful consideration. It will undoubtedly impact numerous individuals, and I sincerely hope for a prompt resolution. In the meantime, I stand united with all my fellow artists. #unionstrong."

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Mandy Moore

On July 13, Moore shared an image titled "SAG-AFTRA on Strike" on Instagram without providing a caption. Later on, the actress reposted several articles about the strike on her Instagram Story. Among them was a photo from the WGA East with a powerful message: "We will reiterate, together, our solidarity is not to be underestimated."

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Jamie Lynn Spears

Spears, known for her roles in both Sweet Magnolias and Zoey 102, which will be released on Netflix and Paramount+ respectively later this month, expressed her mixed emotions about the strike on Instagram.

"It is crucial for all of us to stand together, but it is also heart-wrenching and gives rise to complicated feelings. Working tirelessly with a team of people to create something, only to have the strike happen at a time when we should be celebrating our accomplishments, is difficult to comprehend. However, we understand that this is a necessary step," she explained. Spears requested her fans to show their support by watching her upcoming projects, despite her inability to personally promote them due to the strike.

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Margot Robbie

During the London premiere of her upcoming film Barbie on July 12, Robbie expressed her solidarity with the union. "Without a doubt, I am wholeheartedly in support of all the unions, and being a member of SAG myself, I would undoubtedly stand by that," she affirmed.

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Jamie Lee Curtis

On July 13, Curtis shared a picture on social media showcasing herself together with other cast members from The Bear. Her appearance as a guest in season 2 was acknowledged in the photo, where the actors' faces were concealed by the official SAG-AFTRA symbol.

"Portraying the sentiments, emotions, and sensations evoked by the words spoken by their members in a unified voice!" she wrote as the caption alongside the Instagram picture. "Union agreements serve as a safeguard for our well-being and prevent any form of mistreatment! We stand united as a resilient union!"

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Riley Keough

"It's an incredibly uncertain time and I don't know what to anticipate, but I take pride in standing together with my peers in the film industry, who feel like a second family to me," Keough shared with Vanity Fair in July. "I have a deep love for this community and the support it offers, and I'm hopeful for a prompt resolution."

She further expressed her concerns, saying, "Obviously, there is worry. Many individuals are currently unable to work, and it's essential to ensure they can resume their jobs. It wouldn't be beneficial to leave screenwriters and actors unemployed for an extended period of time."