The Writers Guild of America West has canceled its annual awards show set to take place on March 8 amid its own staff striking, alleging that management committed unfair labor practices amid first contract negotiations.
In a letter sent to presenters and participants of the 2026 awards ceremony, and obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, WGAW president Michele Mulroney wrote in part, “I am writing to share the news that the 2026 Writers Guild Awards Los Angeles ceremony will be cancelled. An alternative celebration for this year’s Los Angeles-based nominees will be scheduled at a later date.”
“Currently, the non-supervisory staff of the WGAW, represented by the Pacific Northwest Staff Union (PNWSU), is on strike,” Mulroney added. “While I respect the staff’s right to strike, I also believe that you deserve an uncomplicated celebration of your achievements. We would not ask you, your guests, talent, and crew to cross a picket line to attend.”
A similar message was also sent to WGAW members.
The Writers Guild Staff Union (WGSU), which has been picketing in front of the union’s headquarters for a week, alleged on Tuesday night that management for the writers’ union raised the possibility of scrapping the 2026 Writers Guild Awards in a recent call about contract negotiations.
Earlier this week, the union wrote in an Instagram post, “They told us they will not bargain with us any further, adding that if we do not take their broken last offer by this Friday, guild management will cancel the 2026 Writers Guild Awards. WGSU framed this move as an attempt to “drive a wedge between union staff and WGA membership.”
The Los Angeles ceremony was set to take place at JW Marriott L.A. LIVE and be hosted by Atsuko Okatsuka. The ceremony would also have livestreamed on the Writers Guild Awards West’s YouTube channel.
The Writers Guild of America East ceremony, set to take place in New York at the same time as the West ceremony, will move forward. While the East and West work jointly on contracts, they remain separate unions, and the WGAE’s staff union is organized with the United Steelworkers and is not on strike.
The Writers Guild Awards New York ceremony, set to take place at Edison Ballroom, will be hosted by Roy Wood Jr.
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