“A continuing industry mess of labor strife (contracts with the directors’ and actors’ guilds expire June 30) probably threatens the future as much as it does the current [Oscar] telecast,” writes N.Y. Times awards-season columnist David Carr in today’s edition.
“The Oscar-viewing habit is no longer as ingrained as it used to be, and no one involved wants to give audiences a reason to tune out all the more. And if the writers’ strike goes on much longer (and the directors and actors join them), future Hollywood fare — blockbusters, Oscar hopefuls and little movies with big upsides alike — may never make it into production.
“There may be an unimpeded telecast in 2008, but will there be any movies in the coming years worthy of the ultimate tribute in entertainment?”