The SAG-AFTRA strike in Hollywood lasted for 118 days and it froze the entire entertainment industry for over six months with the concurrent Writers Guild of America labor freeze. The stories being told behind the scenes often came at the expense of SAG-AFTRA union president Fran Drescher, who was often criticized for her unconventional leadership style during negotiations. The studio executives and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) didn’t know how to react because she was a force to be reckoned with.
She got pushback from A-list celebrities at times, including George Clooney and Scarlett Johansson, who submitted their own proposals to end the lengthy strike. Drescher often got teased for “bringing a heart-shaped plushie into the negotiating room,” but it accomplished exactly what she was hoping for — disarming the male executives she was fighting against day in and day out. So, at the 2024 SAG Awards, The Nanny star was able to get the last word in, once and for all.
While her speech from the Shrine Auditorium stage highlighted the successes against AI along with pay and residual increases, Drescher took the time to call out the importance of “female leadership.” She asked, “What does female leadership look like to women and girls?” And that’s when she cut right to the core of what she faced during strike negotiations — it was a gutsy and welcome move. “We don’t have to emulate male energy,” she noted. “But rather lead with intellect, compassion, wisdom, and still rock a red lip.” The moment was met with laughter and applause from Tracee Ellis Ross, who had the camera close up on her face, and it brought a smile to Drescher during her powerful speech.
But Drescher wasn’t done just yet. She continued, “Sometimes it’s hard to see the frame when you’re in the picture, but a renaissance can happen. We each can work to develop empathy within ourselves. Collectively, the paradigm will shift towards peace and harmony. All of us hold in our hearts the gentle whispers of true love.” Drescher then made a heart shape with her hands — remember that heart plushie from strike negations? She summed up, “I am honored to be your president as we now enter our golden age.”
Drescher managed to slay every studio executive with her words of wisdom as a female leader in the greatest role of her career.
Before you go, click here to see all the celebrities who supported the SAG-AFTRA & WGA strikes.
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