LOS ANGELES  —Hollywood actors' union and screenwriters unite in first joint strike in over 60 years, causing a halt in production across the entertainment industry.

Contract negotiations with studios and streaming services have failed, leading to the simultaneous strike of two major Hollywood unions.

Fran Drescher, president of the actors' union, criticized industry executives during the announcement of the strike.

Fran Drescher criticized employers for prioritizing Wall Street and greed over the essential contributors of the entertainment industry.

Following the expiration of a three-year contract and failed negotiations between the actors' union and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, including major companies like Disney, Netflix, and Amazon, a joint strike was declared.

Picketing screenwriters outside Netflix's Hollywood offices demanded fair pay for actors. Actors will join writers in picketing at studio headquarters in New York and Los Angeles.

Jamie Lee Curtis took to Instagram, suggesting that it's time for actors to reveal their true intentions by joining the strike. The premiere of Christopher Nolan's film "Oppenheimer" in London was rescheduled to allow the cast to walk the red carpet before the strike announcement. However, stars like Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, and Matt Damon left the event after the strike was declared.

The strike, which marks the first time actors have gone on strike since 1980, has implications for the upcoming 75th Emmy Awards. Due to union rules, actors are restricted from participating in interviews, promotions, or attending the ceremony. This casts a shadow over the event and raises uncertainties about the participation of actors in the awards show.

The ongoing strike by film and television actors, the first of its kind since 1980, has imposed various restrictions on their activities. In addition to being unable to give interviews or participate in award ceremonies, actors are prohibited from making personal appearances, promoting their work on podcasts, attending premieres, and engaging in any production-related activities.

This includes auditions, rehearsals, voiceovers, and shooting. The strike's impact is not limited to U.S.-based productions, as international shoots are also expected to be affected. Disney's CEO, Bob Iger, has expressed concerns about the strike, highlighting its potentially damaging consequences for the industry. He believes that the expectations of the actors are unrealistic given the current disruptions faced by the entertainment sector.

The contract extension and subsequent negotiations between the actors union and studios have further strained their relationship. The extension was seen as a tactic to allow studios to promote their movies, raising suspicions among actors. Prior to negotiations, a majority of actors had already voted in favor of a strike. Over 1,000 union members, including prominent figures like Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence, expressed their support for a strike.

The strike not only involves famous actors but also tens of thousands of lesser-known individuals struggling to secure roles with adequate pay. Issues under discussion include actor compensation, the impact of streaming platforms on earnings, the burden of self-funded video auditions, and concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence.

The industry has undergone significant transformations with the rise of streaming, AI, and digital platforms, reshaping the landscape that was once prosperous for actors.

The AMPTP offered a comprehensive deal to the actors' union, including significant pay increases and innovative protections for digital likenesses.

However, the union's decision to strike has disappointed the AMPTP, who highlighted the potential financial hardships for industry workers. SAG-AFTRA represents a wide range of professionals, and the strike specifically impacts actors in television and film productions.

Broadway actors stand in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA. The ongoing writers' strike, which began in May, has already disrupted late-night talk shows and scripted series, and the actors' strike is expected to further intensify these disruptions in the entertainment industry.