Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541667
76 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2025 | sagaftra.org "This convention demonstrates to me that we are an engaged group, and we want to do the work of helping improve the lives and circumstances of our members." — Sean Astin, SAG-AFTRA President for members, including the new Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists in Los Angeles, the expanded lab facilities in New York and emergency funding for members in need. "As we celebrate 40 years of service, I want to thank you, our members, for being the heart of this Foundation. Every class, session, grant [and] scholarship exists because of you and for you," said Wells, as she urged delegates to spread the word on the Foundation's in-person, virtual and hybrid offerings across the country. Also taking place on days one and two of convention was the George Heller Memorial Awards ceremony on Oct. 25, and the American Scene Awards on Oct. 26. The Heller Awards, given to those with years of dedicated union service, were hosted by Washington-Mid Atlantic President Tracee Wilkins and were awarded to three individuals: SAG-AFTRA National Board member & Los Angeles Local Second Vice President David Jolliffe; former National Board member Ellen Crawford; and National Board member & New York Local Fourth Vice President Liz Zazzi. The event was an especially festive occasion and a delightful surprise as, in keeping with its time-honored tradition, the names of the honorees were a well-kept secret leading up to the ceremony that evening (see page 78). The American Scene Awards are a biennial event recognizing union productions exemplifying a commitment to diversity on the screen and airwaves. WTOP National Security Correspondent J.J. Green received the Belva Davis News & Broadcast Award for Colors: A Dialogue on Race in America podcast, and Sinners received the Entertainment Award and the Music & Sound Recordings Awards for both the film, produced by Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian, and soundtrack song "I Lied to You," produced by composer Ludwig Göransson. Hosting this year's ceremony were Harvey Guillén and Kristen Schaal of What We Do in the Shadows. The American Scene Awards also paid tribute to legendary broadcaster and civil rights activist Belva Davis. The former AFTRA National Board member passed away Sept. 24. Astin, Powell and Hurd's speeches took place during the last day of convention, Oct. 27. In their first official addresses in their new roles, the national officers delivered spirited and heartfelt messages to the delegation. With personal anecdotes detailing their lifelong experiences as performers and unionists, each member of the trio discussed the importance and impact of solidarity moving forward and their vision of the union's future. "In a time when the industry is transforming, it is remarkable that more than 400 members put their names on a ballot to be elected to this body and attend this convention … The elections resulted in a national officer team that is passionate, dedicated and responsive to the delegation and the membership at large. I look forward to working with Executive Vice President Linda Powell, Secretary-Treasurer Michelle Hurd and our seven geographic and category vice presidents. Together, we are poised to take our union to the next level, and I am thrilled to be working with this leadership team," said Astin, whose remarks also touched on a wide range of important issues the union intends to address in the coming months, including concerns related to talent agents and casting platforms, and ongoing legislative advocacy. "Coming away from this extraordinary convention is the moment that we turn the page to a new sense of optimism in a difficult time and to fully realize all that our union is capable of," Astin concluded, making a special appeal for delegates to take what they learned back to their local constituents and urge them to participate in the union's wages and working The 2025–27 National Vice Presidents. Top row, from left, SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Los Angeles Lisa Ann Walter; and Vice President, New York Ezra Knight; middle row, from left, Vice President, Mid-Sized Locals Nikki Izanec; Vice President, Small Locals Suzanne Burkhead; and Vice President, Actors/Performers Shari Belafonte; bottom row, from left, Vice President, Broadcasters Bob Butler; and Vice President, Singers/ Recording Artists Fletcher Sheridan.