The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) cancelled its 2026 Writers Guild Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 1, citing the ongoing strike by its non-supervisory staff.
The decision, announced by WGAW President Michele Mulroney, prevents nominees and guests from crossing a picket line established by the Pacific Northwest Staff Union (PNWSU), which represents over 100 WGAW employees. “The non-supervisory staff of the WGAW are currently on strike and the Guild would not question our members or guests to cross a picket line,” Mulroney stated in a letter to members, as reported by Variety.
The Los Angeles ceremony, scheduled for March 8 at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, would have featured comedian Atsuko Okatsuka as host and honored filmmaker James Cameron with the WGA West’s Laurel Award. The WGAW intends to reschedule an alternative celebration for West Coast nominees at a later date.
The staff union initiated the strike on February 17, alleging unfair labor practices by WGAW management. Key issues in the dispute include wage increases, formal grievance procedures, and protections against artificial intelligence, according to the New York Post. The union claims management has engaged in surveillance of workers involved in union activity, terminated union supporters, and pursued “bad faith surface bargaining.”
During negotiations, WGAW management reportedly suggested cancelling the awards ceremony as a potential concession, a move the staff union characterized as an attempt to divide members ahead of crucial Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA) negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The PNWSU authorized a strike in January with 82% support from its members.
While the Los Angeles ceremony has been cancelled, the WGAW’s New York awards event is still scheduled to proceed on March 8. The WGAW has offered “comprehensive proposals” that include union protections and improved compensation, but the PNWSU has yet to reach an agreement with management.
