Sean Astin Elected SAG-AFTRA President in Landslide Victory
LOS ANGELES - Sean Astin has been elected president of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) with a nearly 80 percent majority vote, according to official results released on Friday. The Lord of the Rings actor will assume the role alongside his running mate Michelle Hurd, who was appointed secretary-treasurer.
Astin's opponent, Chuck Slavin, earned approximately 20 percent of the vote, while Hurd secured about 65 percent support in her bid for secretary-treasurer against Peter Antico. Voter turnout was low, with only 17.34 percent of ballots being returned in the national election, a decline from previous years.
"SAG-AFTRA is at a critical juncture, and I am honored to be elected president," Astin said in a statement. "I look forward to working with our members, leadership, and staff to address the pressing issues facing our industry."
Astin's election follows in the footsteps of his mother, Patty Duke, who served as SAG-AFTRA president 37 years ago. The union represents over 160,000 performers, including actors, stunt performers, and other entertainment professionals.
The election results have been met with mixed reactions from industry insiders. "Sean Astin's experience and passion for the industry make him an excellent choice for president," said SAG-AFTRA member and actress, Fran Drescher. "I'm confident he will work tirelessly to protect our members' rights and interests."
However, some critics have expressed concerns about Astin's lack of direct experience in labor negotiations and his limited background in the entertainment industry outside of acting. "While Sean Astin is a talented actor, I worry that his election may signal a shift away from more seasoned leaders who have spent years navigating the complexities of collective bargaining," said Peter Antico, Hurd's opponent for secretary-treasurer.
The SAG-AFTRA leadership will now focus on addressing key issues such as fair compensation, diversity and inclusion, and improved working conditions. With Astin at the helm, the union is expected to continue its efforts to strengthen its position in the entertainment industry.
As the new president takes office, he will inherit a range of challenges, including ongoing negotiations with major studios and streaming services over residuals and other benefits for performers. "We look forward to working with President Astin and Secretary-Treasurer Hurd to address these critical issues and ensure that our members receive fair compensation and respect for their work," said a spokesperson for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
The election results are expected to have far-reaching implications for the entertainment industry, and SAG-AFTRA members will be closely watching Astin's leadership style and policy initiatives in the coming months.
*Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*
