The Primetime Emmy Awards, known as television’s top honor, have been postponed for the first time in over two decades due to ongoing strikes by Hollywood writers and actors, according to a report by Variety on Thursday.
Originally scheduled to air on Fox on September 18, vendors for the event have been informed that the ceremony will not take place on that date, marking the first official announcement of the postponement, as reported by the entertainment outlet.
The Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA, representing the striking writers and actors, have not yet commented on the matter.
The current strikes have significantly impacted Hollywood productions, with the Writers Guild of America initiating their strike on May 2, followed by SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, starting their strike on July 14. This simultaneous strike is the first of its kind since the 1960s.
The Writers Guild of America’s strike is driven by issues related to staffing and duration of employment on shows, as their union and the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers failed to reach an agreement during negotiations.
The rise of streaming services has transformed how writers are compensated, leading to reduced job opportunities and income sources for many writers, particularly in terms of residuals for original content on streaming platforms.
Similarly, SAG-AFTRA’s strike involves demands for increased pay and progress on residuals, particularly on streaming services, as they express dissatisfaction with the offers from studio management.
The strikes come at a time when prominent media companies are facing financial challenges, leading to cost-cutting measures, including layoffs, due to drops in their stock prices.
The postponement of the Primetime Emmy Awards highlights the significant impact of the ongoing strikes on the entertainment industry and its major awards ceremonies.