US actors are expected to resume work after their union agreed a tentative deal with Hollywood studios to end a four-month strike.
Sag-Aftra reached agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and TV Producers (AMPTP) in a unanimous vote.
The shutdown – combined with a separate writers’ strike – paralysed the entertainment industry and disrupted numerous major films and TV shows.
Actors have been calling for better pay and safeguards on the use of AI.
Sag-Aftra president Fran Drescher posted: “We did it!!!!” She thanked members “for hanging in and holding out for this historic deal!”
Actors have welcomed the deal, with Zac Efron describing it as “incredible” at the premiere for his wrestling film The Iron Claw.
Efron’s co-star Jeremy Allen White, who stars in TV drama The Bear, found out the strike was over during an interview on the red carpet with Entertainment Tonight. “That’s amazing!” he exclaimed.
Sag-Aftra chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland told Reuters there were “definitely some tears, a lot of big smiles, a lot of hugs” when the agreement was reached.
The three-year contract would “make a long-term difference for the future of our members in this industry”, he said.
The union said the deal was valued at more than $1bn (£814m) and included increases in minimum salaries, a new “streaming participation” bonus, and more protections against their images and voices being replicated by artificial intelligence.
Sag-Aftra said the strike would officially end on Thursday, with more details released following a meeting on Friday. (BBC)
