The 2013 awards season was a strange one. While many expected the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike of 2007-2008 to have a significant impact on the awards race, its effects were surprisingly muted. This begs the question: did the strike really have that much of an impact on the awards race, or were there other factors at play?
The 2007-2008 WGA Strike and its Impact
The 2007-2008 WGA strike was a major event in Hollywood history. It lasted for 100 days and resulted in the cancellation of many television shows and the postponement of several film productions. The strike was sparked by disagreements between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) over issues such as health insurance, residuals, and the use of writers' work on the internet.
The strike had a significant impact on the 2008 awards season. The Academy Awards ceremony was delayed by a month, and many of the films that were eligible for awards were either not released or were released with limited promotion. The strike also affected the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and other major award shows.
The 2013 Awards Season: An Unexpected Turn
Fast forward to 2013. The WGA strike was a distant memory, but some expected it to continue to have an impact on the awards race. After all, the strike had forced many studios to alter their release schedules and strategies, and it had disrupted the traditional development process for many films and television shows.
However, the 2013 awards season was largely unaffected by the strike. The Oscars, Golden Globes, and other major award shows proceeded as usual, and the films and television shows that were nominated were largely those that had been released before the strike.
Analyzing the 2013 Awards Season: Reasons for the Unexpected Outcome
There are several reasons why the WGA strike did not have a major impact on the 2013 awards season.
1. Recovery and Resumption of Production: Hollywood had already recovered from the strike. Production schedules were back on track, and studios had adapted their strategies to account for the potential for future strikes. The industry was able to resume its usual pace, minimizing the strike's long-term effects.
2. The "Pre-Strike" Advantage: Many of the films and television shows that were nominated for awards in 2013 had been released or produced before the strike. They had been developed and promoted in the traditional manner, giving them a head start in the awards race.
3. The Shift in the Awards Landscape: The landscape of awards shows had shifted in the years since the strike. The rise of streaming services and independent film distribution had created a more diverse and less predictable awards race.
4. The WGA's Efforts: The WGA had been active in lobbying for its members and advocating for their work. The union had made significant progress in securing better pay and working conditions for writers, which likely contributed to the stability of the industry and the muted impact of the strike.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Strike
While the 2013 awards season might have seemed unaffected by the 2007-2008 WGA strike, the event undoubtedly had a lasting impact on the industry. It led to changes in the way that film and television productions are financed, developed, and produced. It also led to a greater awareness of the importance of writers in the creative process.
The lack of a significant impact on the 2013 awards season does not diminish the importance of the WGA strike. It shows that the industry is resilient and can adapt to change. It also shows that the WGA has been successful in advocating for its members and ensuring that their voices are heard. While the 2013 awards season might have been relatively unaffected by the strike, it was a reminder of the important role that writers play in Hollywood.
