Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA (SAG-AFTRA)
Labor union representing actors and media professionals in film, television, radio, and recorded media.
Definition
Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA (SAG-AFTRA) is the labor union representing actors, announcers, and other media professionals in film, television, radio, and digital media. The union negotiates contracts establishing compensation, working conditions, and residual payments.
SAG Awards recognize acting excellence and significantly influence Oscar perception. The union's role extends beyond traditional media to influencer content and video games, adapting to industry evolution.
Why It Matters
SAG-AFTRA membership provides essential protections including health insurance, pension contributions, and minimum compensation that support sustainable acting careers.
SAG Award recognition is significant Oscar predictor. The ceremony's "ensemble cast" emphasis sometimes elevates films that wouldn't otherwise gain awards traction.
Examples in Practice
SAG-AFTRA minimums ensure appropriate compensation on a project that might have exploited a developing actor's desire for exposure.
Health insurance through SAG-AFTRA provides coverage that enables actors to survive between projects that wouldn't offer independent coverage.
SAG Award nomination transforms an actor's career trajectory, with recognition leading to offers for roles previously inaccessible.