George Clooney shows his support for actors’ strike after negotiations collapse

George Clooney has supported the Hollywood actors’ strike.

The 62-year-old Oscar winner issued a statement to Entertainment Tonight, saying: “This is a game changer in our industry.”

About 160,000 SAG-AFTRA members walked out on Thursday and went to the picket line on Friday after union and studio negotiators failed to reach an agreement on a new contract.

“In large numbers, actors and writers have lost their ability to make a living,” said the Ticket to Paradise star. “For our industry to survive, that needs to change.” For actors, that journey begins now.”

Writers have been on strike since May 1st.

Support: George Clooney, 62, issued a statement supporting the actors' strike.

Support: George Clooney, 62, issued a statement supporting the actors’ strike. “This is a game changer in our industry.” Numerous actors and writers have lost their ability to make a living. For our industry to survive, that has to change” (pictured in Germany in May)

Screen Actors Guild chairman Fran Drescher, 65, announced the strike on Thursday, saying: “I went in with the firm belief that we could avert a strike.”

“The gravity of this move has not escaped me, our negotiating committee, or our board members, who voted unanimously to continue a strike.”

“It’s a very serious matter affecting thousands if not millions of people across the country and around the world,” said the Nanny star.

“Honestly, I can’t believe how far apart we are on so many things. How they invoke poverty, that they are losing money left and right while giving millions to CEOs. It’s disgusting, shame on them. You are on the wrong side of history at this moment.”

Their demands include higher wages and protection from technology that could be used to alter their image or appearance without their permission or payment.

Striking authors are also demanding higher salaries, protection against AI-generated scripts and higher streaming residuals, among other things.

It is the first time since 1960 that actors and writers have taken part in strikes at the same time.

A picket schedule suggested strikers would turn up with their signs and megaphones at the gates of Warner Bros., Amazon Studios, Fox Studios, Paramount Pictures, Netflix, Disney and Sony Studio on Friday in Los Angeles.

Strike: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh posed for photographers at the premiere of 'Oppenhiemer' in London on Thursday but left the red carpet after receiving news the strike had been called

Strike: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh posed for photographers at the premiere of ‘Oppenhiemer’ in London on Thursday but left the red carpet after receiving news the strike had been called

Menace: Kenneth Branagh, Rami Malek, Robert Downey, Jr. and Josh Hartnett also left the film's UK debut.  Referring to the artificial intelligence threat, Branagh stated,

Menace: Kenneth Branagh, Rami Malek, Robert Downey, Jr. and Josh Hartnett also left the film’s UK debut. Referring to the artificial intelligence threat, Branagh stated, “This is a critical moment…there is an existential threat to the industry that needs to be addressed.”

HBO/MAX, Warner Bros., Paramount, Netflix and NBC Universal demonstrated in New York.

The action resulted in the cancellation of ongoing productions, including the highly anticipated Deadpool 3, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, and Wicked, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

Sky News reported that stars including Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh and Cillian Murphy left the London premiere of historical epic Oppenheimer after the work stoppage was announced.

Pickets: A picket schedule showed that strikers would show up with their signs and megaphones at the Los Angeles gates of Warner Bros., Amazon Studios, Fox Studios, Paramount Pictures, Netflix, Disney and Sony Studio on Friday

Pickets: A picket schedule showed that strikers would show up with their signs and megaphones at the Los Angeles gates of Warner Bros., Amazon Studios, Fox Studios, Paramount Pictures, Netflix, Disney and Sony Studio on Friday

Strike: HBO/MAX, Warner Bros., Paramount, Netflix and NBC Universal demonstrated in New York

Strike: HBO/MAX, Warner Bros., Paramount, Netflix and NBC Universal demonstrated in New York

Knowing time was of the essence, Matt, 52, told reporters at the premiere, ‘We definitely want to talk about this while we still can.’ If we go on strike, we’ll pack up and go home.’

Showing his support, Kenneth Branagh, 62, said: “A lot of people showed up here tonight and it’s nice not to let them down, but we’re also in total solidarity with our SAG colleagues so we’ll be by their side .”

“I’ve been a member of the guild for 33 years,” said the Oscar winner.

Speaking of artificial intelligence, the Henry V star claimed, “This is a critical moment… there is an existential threat to the industry that needs to be addressed,” admitting that the negotiations and the strike have been a “painful process ‘but that must be done.’

Summing up the impact of the strike, Josh Hartnett, 44, succinctly admitted: “We won’t be able to promote it, but that’s how the cookie crumbles.”