Leading article: No show
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Surely Hollywood cannot take much more of this. Since the writers' strike began last November, the film and television studios have been able to weather the storm. But how long can that resistance hold now that the industrial action of the Writers' Guild of America has begun to disrupt the sacred Tinsel Town award ceremonies?
The Golden Globes were replaced at the weekend by a perfunctory press conference in the Beverly Hilton Hotel, after the Screen Actors Guild said its members would not cross writers' picket lines. There is no point in holding a party to which your guests refuse to come. Now the Oscars could fall victim to this same unlikely outburst of trade union militancy unless a compromise can be reached between studios and writers by the end of February. Few of those on the ground believe that is likely to happen.
The industry can put up with a lot: delayed television series, suspended late-night talk shows, even sidelined popcorn blockbusters. But when the strike starts affecting the annual back-slapping and back-biting festivals of the award ceremonies, that is when things get really serious. Because what is Hollywood without the glittering jewellery, the couture dresses, the gushing speeches, the red carpets, the after-awards parties? What is Hollywood without the opulent goodie-bags?
This strike is in serious danger of taking the show out of show-business. In fact, it already has the makings of a fine disaster film. Now, if only they could find a writer ...
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments