Strike Prospects Loom Behind Oscars

The Associated Press

Julie Andrews presents an honorary Oscar to screenwriter, producer and director Ernest Lehman during the 73rd annual Academy Awards on Sunday, March 25, in Los Angeles. Associated Press Photo

Sure, Hollywood celebrated at Sunday's Academy Awards show. But many of those entertainers might not be working several months from now.

The prospect of double strikes by writers and actors later this spring was on many minds during show business's golden night.

Screenwriter-producer-director Ernest Lehman, who claimed an Honorary Oscar at the ceremony, dedicated his award to the writers' cause.

"We have suffered anonymity far too often," Lehman said in his acceptance speech. "I appeal to all movie critics and feature writers to please always bear in mind that a film production begins and ends with a screenplay."

Backstage, Lehman - whose writing credits include "Sabrina" and "North by Northwest" - said he held back some opinions because he didn't want to create tension during a night of celebration.

Cameron Crowe, Oscar winner for original screenplay for "Almost Famous," says he has sympathy for writers who are considering a strike. Associated Press Photo

"I decided I did not want to make tonight's speech a soapbox speech," he said.

Many referred to a strike as if it were inevitable.

"I have not studied the details and the movements daily on the strike and the issues. I know that I need to do some studying up quick," writer-director Cameron Crowe said when asked about the issue. Crowe won an Oscar for best original screenplay, for "Almost Famous."

The Writers Guild of America argues that years of unfair contracts have prevented its members from benefiting from the explosive growth of videocassettes, cable TV and foreign markets.

Early negotiations between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers broke down earlier this month.

Marcia Gay Harden, right, shows off the Oscar for best supporting actress for "Pollock" to her sister after the Academy Awards on Sunday, March 25. Associated Press Photo

The contract for the WGA's 11,500 members expires May 1.

In negotiations, studios have rejected what they consider unrealistic union demands, saying they ignore the realities of a slowing economy and shrinking audiences.

This week, DreamWorks SKG executive Jeffrey Katzenberg said that meeting the WGA's demands even halfway could bankrupt the studios.

British actress Judi Dench, nominated for her supporting role in the film "Chocolat," arrives at the 73rd annual Academy Awards on Sunday, March 25, in Los Angeles. Associated Press Photo

The Directors Guild of America also has objected to the WGA's demands for more creative control over moviemaking.

"I really clearly remember when I was a writer trying to find a director who would protect my work," Crowe said. "So I have a lot of sympathy for the writers. But I'm also a happy member of the directors guild. So I have to study which hat and how to wear it."

Meanwhile, the actors' contract expires July 1. A dual strike could cripple the industry and cost as much as $1 billion a month.

"I think the things they're (potentially) striking for are worthy causes," said Marcia Gay Harden, the supporting actress winner for "Pollock."

Juliette Binoche, nominated for best actress in a leading role for her work in "Chocolat," arrives at the Academy Awards on Sunday, March 25. Associated Press Photo

The Screen Actors Guild, like the writers, is pushing for better residuals from international distribution and the broadcast of movies and TV shows on cable.

The first casualty in a walkout would be the fall TV season, but movie production also would be halted, severely limiting the number of future releases.

"We are all hoping that the writers and producers can get together because nobody wants a strike," said screenwriter Robert Nelson Jacobs, an Oscar-nominee for his adapted screenplay to "Chocolat."

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