Drew Barrymore is the latest celebrity to stand in solidarity with the thousands of television and film writers currently on strike. The actress and talk show host announced that she will no longer be presenting this Sunday’s MTV Movie & TV Awards, but plans to fulfill her duties next year.
“I’ve listened to the writers and I will stop presenting the MTV Movie & TV Awards live in solidarity with the strike to truly respect them,” Barrymore said on Thursday. “Everything we celebrate and honor about movies and television is born out of their creation. And I choose to wait until a resolution is reached but I will be watching from home and hope you will join me.”
He continued, “I really thank MTV for being one of the best partners I’ve ever worked with. And I can’t wait to be a part of next year, a truly inclusive program where I can truly celebrate everything MTV has created, let fans choose who the awards go to, and which is really inclusive.
On Monday, a production source for the MTV awards show said Variation The Writers Guild of America said the ceremony would still be aired despite the strike and that the network was “working on it”. [its] Contingency plans.” These plans included several pre-recorded sketches featuring Barrymore that will likely remain on the air. Hollywood Reporter.
The same Variation article, Barrymore reiterated that the network has a “blueprint”. [for the strike] “on the spot” to respect the protesters.
“Our respect and solidarity are intact, we cover ourselves up to do what’s appropriate,” said the talk show host. “No one is deaf here. I think we act with the awareness of being the best fit for everyone we support and we have a plan for that.”
Bruce Gillmer, president of music, musical talent, programming and events at Paramount Global, says he has the network’s “full support” in Barrymore’s decision to carry out his hosting duties.
“Once all this unfolded, we started preparing for what could happen,” Gilmer, the show’s executive producer, said in a statement. “[Barrymore] He stands in solidarity with the writers—unsurprisingly—for which we have full respect.”
With Barrymore not hosting, all eyes are on the show’s previously announced celebrity presenters and contributors, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Tiffany Haddish, Gal Gadot, Halle Bailey, Dominique Fishback and the cast. Daisy Jones and Six. Emmy winner Jennifer Coolidge is also set to receive the Comedic Genius Award.
Additionally, Bear star Ayo Edebiri will appear with the cast of the upcoming comedy movie bottoms. But, seen protesting Along with other members of the Writers Guild of America, this may affect her participation.
MTV Movie TV & Awards will be broadcast live on MTV on Sunday, May 7 at 8 PM ET.