Movie Terms Wiki Industry

Screen Actors Guild

A labor union representing film and television actors in the United States, known for its annual awards.


Formation and Mission

Established in 1933 during Hollywood’s tumultuous labor era, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) emerged to protect performers from exploitative contracts and unsafe working conditions. In 2012, it merged with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) to form SAG-AFTRA, continuing advocacy for wages, benefits and intellectual property rights.

SAG Awards

First presented in 1995, the SAG Awards recognize ensemble performance alongside individual acting achievements in film and television. Unique among honors, these awards are voted on exclusively by peers—over 160,000 union members—making them a bellwether for the industry’s internal appraisal of craft.

Influence on Labor Relations

SAG-AFTRA negotiates collective bargaining agreements covering residuals, health plans and digital distribution royalties. Strikes in 1960, 1978, 1980 and most recently 2023 have reshaped contract standards, reflecting evolving media landscapes and the rise of streaming platforms.


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