Actors likely to snub Golden Globes

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-01-05 16:34

LOS ANGELES - Golden Globe-nominated actors are expected to snub the awards in support of striking Hollywood writers, the actors union said, jeopardizing one of the entertainment industry's signature showcases.


The red carpet is seen before the start of the 64th annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills in this January 15, 2007 file photo. Allen Rosenberg, president of the Screen Actors Guild, said in a statement released January 4, 2008 that there appears to be "unanimous agreement" that SAG members will not cross WGA picket lines to attend the Golden Globes January 13, 2008. [Agencies]

NBC, however, said it was sticking by its plans to air the January 13 ceremony, despite the uncertainty about how much - if any - star power the Globes could muster.

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"The network plans to move forward with the broadcast at this point," NBC spokeswoman Rebecca Marks said Friday, adding that it has yet to be determined which actors will participate.

Screen Actors Guild President Alan Rosenberg made the announcement after canvassing nominees during the past several weeks.

"There appears to be unanimous agreement that these actors will not cross" the picket lines to present or accept an award, he said in a prepared statement.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which organizes the awards, said it was wrestling with the "unfortunate predicament."

"We are making every effort to work out a solution that will permit the Golden Globes to take place with the creative community present to participate," Jorge Camara, the group's president, said in a statement.

The association hoped to announce a resolution Monday, Camara said.

The writers strike, which began November 5, has broad implications for the way Hollywood does business. Whatever deal is struck by writers on payment for shows offered on the Internet could affect talks with actors and directors, whose contracts expire next June.

The Golden Globes show brings in a reported $5 million (euro3.4 million) for the association and millions more in advertising revenue for NBC.

On Friday, a dozen publicity firms representing what they called a majority of Golden Globe-nominated actors, writers and directors, as well as many stars invited to appear as presenters, released a letter sent to NBC Universal Chief Executive Jeff Zucker.

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