The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been criticised for “intimidation” tactics by the Screen Actors Guild ahead of the 2019 Oscars.

The heavily critical statement comes amid claims made by the Screen Actors Guild that the Academy adds pressure onto actors in a bid to make them appear only at next month’s Academy Awards. The result would mean that the 91st Academy awards would earn more exclusivity in the build up to their event.

The issue, of course, is that several other awards shows occur before the Oscars date on February 25. The Screen Actors Guild themselves host their own awards ceremony on January 27.

“This self-serving intimidation of SAG-AFTRA members is meant to limit their opportunities to be seen and honour the work of their fellow artists throughout the season. Actors should be free to accept any offer to participate in industry celebrations,” SAG-AFTRA said in a statement.

“The apparent attempt by the academy to keep our members from presenting on their own awards show is utterly outrageous and unacceptable.”

The concluded: “We call on the academy to cease this inappropriate action.”

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