Top Hollywood stars like Lupita N'yongo support the ongoing SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) strike.
The actress, born in Kenya, was one of several prominent celebrities who gathered on Monday to talk about the actors' strike as their union warned that the entire industry is at risk without "transformative change."
Actors are requesting increased pay from studios and stricter rules regarding using artificial intelligence in creative endeavours.
"We didn't want to go on strike, but the moment has come. On the picket line this week with my fellow actors and writers, we were inspired, fired up, and unified. For a more equitable, safe, and respectable way of life for many, I am confident we are on the right side of history. Lupita posted the hashtags "#SAGAFTRAStrong #WGAStrong" on her Instagram profile.
Did you read this?
Lupita presented a relaxed appearance throughout the strike with a SAG-AFTRA Strong tee, baseball cap, and shorts. The performers also want assurances that AI won't replace them and robust safeguards against using their likenesses in AI training.
Due to mounting worries over using artificial intelligence and streaming residuals, the union approved the walkout on Friday. The WGA has been on strike since May 2, and the last time writers and performers were on strike at the same time was in 1960.
While the WGA represents 11,000 writers and is not on strike, SAG-AFRTA, the union representing over 160,000 actors, is. As more movies and TV shows are streamed online, they request hikes in base compensation and residuals.
Since the strike's start in May, late-night programs, other projects, and the entire industry have had to decrease their pace. The second season of Severance, the last season of Stranger Things on Netflix, and Marvel's Blade have all been put on hold due to the strike.
After talks between the Writers Guild of America and Hollywood studios broke down after the contract that was in effect expired, the strike started.
