Addressing reports that the Academy have been pressuring stars to stick only with Oscars, SAG spokesman states, 'Actors should be free to accept any offer to participate in industry celebrations.'
- January 15, 2019
AceShowbiz - Screen Actors Guild officials have taken aim at Oscars bosses for pressuring stars to stay away from other awards shows.
A spokesman for the SAG-AFTRA union has released a statement addressing reports Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences executives have been placing "extraordinary and unwarranted pressure" on celebrities, insisting they should only appear at the Oscars.
"We have received multiple reports of these activities and have experienced firsthand the Academy's graceless pressure tactics and attempts to control the awards show talent pipeline," the statement reads. "Awards season is a very special time when actors and actresses are being appropriately celebrated and recognised for the outstanding quality of their work. We would expect the Academy to honor these goals.
"This self-serving intimidation of SAG-AFTRA members is meant to limit their opportunities to be seen and honor the work of their fellow artists throughout the season. Actors should be free to accept any offer to participate in industry celebrations.
"The apparent attempt by the Academy to keep our members from presenting on their own awards show is utterly outrageous and unacceptable. The SAG Awards supports their union's operations and important charitable assistance programs that provide valuable support to performers. We call on the Academy to cease this inappropriate action."
The Screen Actors Guild Awards will take place in Los Angeles on January 27, just days after the Oscars nominations are announced. The Academy Awards are held on February 24.
