Hollywood Actors’ Union Notes Disagreements with Studios’ Offer, Including AI 

The SAG-AFTRA building, home to the US labor union that represents film and television actors, singers, and other performers, is seen in Los Angeles, California, on July 13, 2023. (AFP)
The SAG-AFTRA building, home to the US labor union that represents film and television actors, singers, and other performers, is seen in Los Angeles, California, on July 13, 2023. (AFP)
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Hollywood Actors’ Union Notes Disagreements with Studios’ Offer, Including AI 

The SAG-AFTRA building, home to the US labor union that represents film and television actors, singers, and other performers, is seen in Los Angeles, California, on July 13, 2023. (AFP)
The SAG-AFTRA building, home to the US labor union that represents film and television actors, singers, and other performers, is seen in Los Angeles, California, on July 13, 2023. (AFP)

The Hollywood actors' union on Monday responded to the latest offer from the major studios and streamers, saying they have yet to reach agreement on several items, including the use of artificial intelligence.

The SAG-AFTRA union posted a message on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, saying its negotiating committee is determined to secure the best deal and bring a responsible end to the strike.

"We're at a critical point in our industry," the union said. "We need a fair contract to make sure this career is viable now AND in the future."

SAG-AFTRA members walked off the job in July to demand higher compensation in the streaming TV era plus protections around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other gains.

The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents Walt Disney, Netflix and other companies, presented what the studios described as their "last, best and final" offer on Saturday, SAG-AFTRA leadership said in an update to members.

Last week, union leaders expressed "cautious optimism" that a deal could be reached soon but also said there were gaps between the two sides on various issues including the use of AI. Actors are seeking assurances that their digital likenesses will not be used without their permission.



Actors Marisa Abela, Mikey Madison among BAFTA Rising Star Nominees

 Marisa Abela poses as she arrives at the BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain, March 2, 2024. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File Photo
Marisa Abela poses as she arrives at the BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain, March 2, 2024. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File Photo
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Actors Marisa Abela, Mikey Madison among BAFTA Rising Star Nominees

 Marisa Abela poses as she arrives at the BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain, March 2, 2024. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File Photo
Marisa Abela poses as she arrives at the BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain, March 2, 2024. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File Photo

Marisa Abela, who portrayed late singer Amy Winehouse in biopic "Back to Black", and "Anora" star Mikey Madison are among the five nominees for the EE Rising Star Award at next month's British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards.

Abela is nominated alongside fellow "Industry" actors David Jonsson, most recently seen in sci-fi horror "Alien: Romulus", and Nabhaan Rizwan.

Rizwan's credits include film "In Camera" about an aspiring actor facing constant audition rejections and Netflix series "Kaos", a modern re-imagining of Greek mythology, Reuters reported.

British television drama "Industry" follows a group of graduates competing for jobs at a top investment bank.

Jharrel Jerome, known for Oscar winning film "Moonlight", animated superhero movie "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" and most recently biographical sports drama "Unstoppable", completes the list made public on Tuesday.

In "Anora", winner of the top prize at last year's Cannes film festival, Madison plays a young exotic dancer who becomes involved with a Russian oligarch's son. Her performance earned her a nomination for best actress in a musical or comedy film at last Sunday's Golden Globes.

The BAFTA Film Awards will take place on Feb. 16 in London.

BAFTA will announce the full list of the 2025 awards nominees next week.