Rising Stars Absent as Actors’ Strike Impacts Fall Film Festivals
LOS ANGELES — Bradley Cooper‘s highly anticipated film, Maestro, is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, but the actor-turned-director won’t be attending. In fact, many stars scheduled to headline movies at the major fall film festivals, including Venice, Telluride, Toronto, and New York, will be conspicuously absent due to the ongoing actors’ and writers’ strikes.
Traditionally, these festivals serve as launchpads for some of the year’s most anticipated movies and mark the beginning of the awards season leading up to the Oscars in March. However, this year, the strikes have limited the involvement of the stars. SAG-AFTRA rules prohibit striking actors from participating in promotional interviews, making it impossible for them to attend these festivals and engage in the usual activities.
Even for actors in independent movies that have signed interim agreements with the guild allowing limited participation, their level of engagement is expected to be minimal. For instance, Adam Driver, starring in Michael Mann‘s high-profile film Ferrari, will reportedly fly in from Paris on the morning of the premiere, walk the red carpet in the afternoon, and immediately return to France afterward.
The situation is constantly evolving, with everyone in the industry keenly watching the actions of others. There is a sense of caution among actors and awards campaign teams, fearing backlash on social media for saying the wrong thing or appearing too extravagant. The fear of negative optics is prompting a more subdued presence at these festivals.
While the absence of stars may not hold great significance at this early stage, the events at these festivals often set the tone for the rest of the awards season. Last year, when Brendan Fraser received a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, it kick-started his Oscar campaign. Moments like these can become pivotal in shaping the narrative surrounding a film and its potential for awards success.
As the actors and writers continue to fight for their concerns and livelihoods, some may argue that the absence of stars at these events is inconsequential compared to the wealth and luxury enjoyed by studio executives. However, the festivals serve as platforms to generate buzz and anticipation for the industry’s most exciting films, making the absence of stars a notable absence in this process.
The impact of the strikes on the fall film festivals remains a topic of discussion. The way in which the industry adapts to this new reality will be closely watched, determining the future of awards campaigns and how films are promoted. As the Oscars loom seven months away, these festivals continue to shape the landscape of the industry, making it crucial for the actors and writers to find a resolution that addresses their concerns while allowing the show to go on.
