Can the Show Really Go On?by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 05 Jan 2008 11:10 AM In a previous blog I noted that despite the ongoing Hollywood writers strike the Hollywood Foreign Press Association along with NBC vowed to move forward with the Golden Globe Awards presentations, which is scheduled to air January 13th. However, less than 24 hours ago, the Screen Actors Guild threw a major wrench in the broadcast's plans and you now have to wonder how the show could possibly go on. SAG officials announced yesterday that Golden Globe-nominated actors and presenters won't attend the televised award because doing so would mean they would have to cross Writers Guild of America picket lines. According to SAG's president the move is to illustrate solidarity for striking writers. Upon receiving the news from SAG officials, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association vowed to press on and said it hoped to announce a resolution by Monday. A total of 72 actors are among this year's Golden Globe nominees. And by late Friday, a dozen publicity firms representing a large chunk of the nominated actors, writers and directors, as well as many stars invited to appear as presenters, released a letter sent to NBC execs. "After much discussion with our clients, we have concluded the vast majority of the talent we represent are not comfortable crossing a picket line," the letter said. For their part the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has repeatedly tried to negotiate with writers guild leaders so big name celebs wouldn't be faced with having to cross picket lines outside the awards venue. The nominated stars said they would appear on the show if NBC and Dick Clark productions, which produces the show, reaches an interim agreement with the writers guild, similar to the one David Letterman's independent company struck with striking writers prior to his show returning to the airwaves on Wednesday. That statement didn't sit well with the Clark company, which lashed out at the guild in their own statement Friday, citing repeated efforts to reach an interim agreement. You can add that failed effort to the previous waiver request the Hollywood Foreign Press Association tried to secure from the Writers Guild of America to allow its members to work on the Globes, the People's Choice Awards and the Academy Awards. That request was denied as well. Can you imagine a Hollywood awards show void of celebrity presenters, nominees and winners? Can you imagine being a first-time nominee, winning, and never getting the chance to walk on stage and get your award? Do you think the show should be canned? Related Articles: David Letterman Strikes Deal with Writers Major Changes in Store for This Year's People's Choice Awards Kimmel, Stewart and Colbert Returning with New Shows Save Your Jokes Late-Night TV Hosts Can't Take Them Leno and O'Brien Returning to Late-Night TV Ray of Hope Emerges for Striking Hollywood Writers The Continuing Writers Strike---What's Happening with Your Favorite Shows? The Writers Strike and Late-Night Talk Shows---THE BACKLASH! Writers Strike---Is There an End in Sight? Writers Strike Update--How Many New Episodes Are Left? Hollywood Writers' Strike---Week 3: Movie Alert Writers' Strike--Producers Hit Back Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevantpopular culture tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags Award Shows, Golden Globe Awards, writer's strike Discuss this article
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