The Writers Guild of America West has canceled its annual awards ceremony scheduled for March 8 amid a strike by its employees, alleging that management committed unfair labor practices amid first contract negotiations.
In a letter sent to presenters and participants in the 2026 awards ceremony, which I received Hollywood ReporterWGAW President Michelle Mulroney wrote in part, “I am writing to share the news that the 2026 Los Angeles Writers Guild Awards have been canceled. An alternative ceremony for this year’s Los Angeles-based nominees will be scheduled at a later date.”
“Currently, non-supervisory employees at WGAW, represented by the Pacific Northwest Employees Union (PNWSU), are on strike,” Mulroney added. “While I respect employees’ right to strike, I also believe you deserve an uncomplicated celebration of your accomplishments. We will not ask you, your guests, talent, and crew to cross a picket line to attend.”
A similar message was also sent to WGAW members.
The Writers Guild Employees Union (WGSU), which has been picketing in front of union headquarters for a week, claimed Tuesday night that WGSU management raised the possibility of canceling the 2026 Writers Guild Awards in a recent call about contract negotiations.
Earlier this week, the guild wrote in an Instagram post, “They have told us they will no longer negotiate with us, adding that if we do not accept their latest broken offer by this Friday, guild management will cancel the 2026 Writers Guild Awards.” The WGSU framed the move as an attempt “to drive a wedge between guild staff and the WGA membership.”
The Los Angeles ceremony was scheduled to take place at the JW Marriott LA LIVE and hosted by Atsuko Okatsuka. The ceremony was also scheduled to be broadcast live on the Writers Guild Awards West YouTube channel.
The Writers Guild of America East gala, scheduled to be held in New York at the same time as the West gala, will go ahead. While East and West work together on contracts, they remain separate unions, and the WGAE employee union is organized with the United Steelworkers and is not on strike.
The Writers Guild of New York Awards Gala, scheduled to be held at Edison Hall, will be hosted by Roy Wood Jr.
