WGA West Cancels Los Angeles Awards Amid Staff Strike

The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) has canceled its 2026 Writers Guild Awards ceremony in Los Angeles due to an ongoing strike by its non-supervisory staff, who allege unfair labor practices during contract negotiations. The decision aims to avoid asking guild members, talent, and crew to cross a picket line.

Strike and Contract Negotiations

The WGAW staff, represented by the Pacific Northwest Staff Union (PNWSU), initiated the strike seeking a salary increase and other safeguards. According to the Writers Guild Staff Union (WGSU), management raised the possibility of canceling the awards reveal during recent contract discussions, framing it as a tactic to create division between staff and WGAW membership.

East Coast Ceremony to Proceed

The Writers Guild of America East ceremony, scheduled to take place concurrently in New York City, will proceed as planned. The WGA East and West operate jointly on contracts but remain separate unions. The WGAE’s staff union is organized with the United Steelworkers and is not currently on strike.

Event Details and Hosts

The canceled Los Angeles ceremony was set to be held at JW Marriott L.A. LIVE and hosted by Atsuko Okatsuka. It would have been livestreamed on the Writers Guild Awards West’s YouTube channel. Roy Wood Jr. Will host the New York ceremony, while Stephen Colbert will receive the Walter Bernstein Award.

WGA West Leadership

Michele Mulroney, the newly elected president of the WGA West, announced the cancellation in a letter to those involved with the ceremony. Travis Donnelly was elected vice president and Peter Murrieta won the secretary-treasurer job in elections held between August 29 and September 23.

Looking Ahead

Mulroney expressed hope for a swift resolution to the staff strike and a future celebration of the year’s achievements in writing. An alternative celebration for the Los Angeles-based nominees will be scheduled at a later date.