The historic strike of cinema professionals will have got the better of almost all American actors but also one of the major figures of French cinema internationally. The actress Léa Seydoux, expected on Sunday on the red carpet of the Venice Film Festival where she was to present the film in competition The Beast by Bertrand Bonello, finally canceled her visit at the last minute.
During the press conference, the film crew read a text justifying that it was “difficult” for Léa Seydoux “to come and celebrate [the film] knowing very well that thousands of actors and screenwriters are fighting to save their livelihoods.
His playmate, the British George MacKay, also starring in Bonello’s tenth feature film, joined in this statement, adding that this refusal to come to the Mostra seemed “the fairest way to support the strike. “We hope that a fair and just agreement will be found soon and that Léa and George will be more comfortable promoting,” the press release concludes.
Hit hard by the historic strike movement that has paralyzed Hollywood since July 14, the Venice festival was still able to count on the presence of Adam Driver and Michael Mann. Both were able to present their film thanks to an exemption granted to independent productions, as is the case for Ferrari, while showing their support for the strikers.
Scriptwriters and actors on hold are demanding better working conditions as well as guarantees regarding the use of artificial intelligence. A historic showdown with Hollywood studios and streaming platforms, which has not yet brought any element of resolution.