Fran Drescher’s Shocking SAG Awards Statement: ‘AI will Trap us in a Matrix!’ Must Read!

Fran Drescher, President of SAG-AFTRA, gave a moving address at the 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards, hosted on Saturday at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The awards gala, which was broadcast live on Netflix, marks the first event since the historical strike by SAG-AFTRA ended and a new contract was ratified, following a successful agreement with the major studios. Her complete speech is presented below.

Thank you very much. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the WGA, the DGA, IATSE, AFM, Teamsters, and Basic Crafts for their pivotal role in making this evening a triumph. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the most industrious man in the entertainment industry, our SAG-AFTRA executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. And a special shoutout to Netflix for hosting the SAG Awards on their platform, allowing viewers from all corners of the globe, including my parents’ condominium in South Florida, to participate in the event.

Above all, kudos to all the members present here today and those tuning in from elsewhere. I regard all of you with the utmost admiration and respect, for you are the real victors. You have bravely weathered the longest strike in the history of our union, displaying great courage and resolution. The path was hard and fraught with sacrifice and unyielding stress, but your collective dignity and steadfastness in asserting, ‘We merit better because we are superior,’ culminated in a groundbreaking billion-dollar deal.

Your unity inspired workers globally, igniting what will forever be known as the ‘hot labor summer.’ You embarked on the hero’s journey, leading the charge on the front lines, marshalling the picket lines as strike captains, and attending the rallies in full force because you recognized the magnitude of our collective contribution to this magnificent industry.

And now, we stand here, standing high and proud. This was a defining moment in the history of our union that has set the course for future generations. We are not fearful but courageous, not weak but empowered, not underlings but collaborators.

As we contended for a superior TV theatrical contract, global ideas took shape. AI threatens to ensnare us in a matrix where we are unable to discern reality. If an inventor lacks empathy and spirituality, perhaps their invention is not what we need. Dystopian narratives can turn into self-fulfilling prophecies. We should strive to narrate stories that ignite the human spirit, connect us to the natural world, and stimulate our ability to love unconditionally.

What does leadership by women mean to women and girls? We don’t need to mimic male energy, but can lead with intelligence, compassion, wisdom — all while donning a red lip.

At times, it’s difficult to perceive the broader picture when you’re part of the scene. But a renaissance is possible. We each can strive to cultivate empathy within ourselves. Collectively, this will shift the paradigm towards peace and harmony. In our hearts, we each harbor the soft murmur of genuine love.

It is an honor to serve as your president as we usher in our golden era. Thank you very much.