In May 2023, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) announced a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, alleviating concerns of another strike in Hollywood after a challenging summer. This new contract covers motion pictures, scripted primetime television, streaming content, and new media. Negotiations began in February 2026, with key issues including generative artificial intelligence (AI) and actor compensation. SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland emphasized that performances generated by AI should be compensated similarly to live actors. Additionally, SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin highlighted the need for better wages and health care access for performers, as many were struggling with rising costs of living. This agreement follows a similar deal made by the Writers Guild of America earlier in the year, which aimed to address their concerns after a strike. The new SAG-AFTRA deal still requires approval from the union's National Board and a ratification vote by its members.