Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541667
Awards Accessibility It is important to SAG-AFTRA that all members can experience and participate in awards season. SAG-AFTRA continues its commitment to making both For Your Consideration (FYC) screeners and the 32nd Annual Actor Awards livestream on Netflix as accessible as possible to all our members, as well as to those who tune into the Awards every year. CLOSED CAPTIONING (CC) creates a real-time transcript of dialogue and sound for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers. SAG-AFTRA has required closed captioning on all FYC digital screeners since 2017. AUDIO DESCRIPTION (AD) is off-screen narration that describes the onscreen action as well as facial expressions and other visual details to enhance the viewing experience for those who are blind or low vision. SAG-AFTRA has required audio description on all FYC digital screeners since 2021. Both of these powerful tools are designed to make films, television and streaming content more accessible to our members and the wider public with disabilities. DIGITAL SCREENERS will be available to eligible voting members beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 14, when Actor Awards voting opens. THE NETFLIX LIVESTREAM of the 32nd annual ceremony on Sunday, March 1, will also feature closed captioning and live audio description. Visit actorawards.org/accessibility for detailed information from the streaming services on how to access their closed captioning and audio description services. Each committee member is chosen at random from SAG-AFTRA's membership. HOW CAN I BE CHOSEN TO SERVE ON A COMMITTEE THIS YEAR? Nomination consideration is already underway, and the 5,000 total committee members were selected earlier in the year. Previous participants are also unable to serve on either committee for at least eight years following their year of service. But every eligible member has the opportunity to send in their final ballot before the big night! HOW CAN I VOTE? All members who have paid their dues by Wednesday, Dec. 10, are eligible for final voting. Make sure your contact information is up to date in our system by logging into your sagaftra.org account, checking your profile via the SAG-AFTRA member app, or calling (855) 724-2387. Also, be on the lookout for this year's voting postcard (see next page). sagaftra.org | Fall/Winter 2025 | SAG-AFTRA 89 WHEN CAN I VOTE? Final voting opens on Wednesday, Jan. 14, and closes at noon, Friday, Feb. 27. Ballots can be submitted online or via paper ballot. A paper ballot can be requested by calling (800) 961-8287 before the deadline on Friday, Feb. 6. HOW WILL I GET MY SCREENERS? Screeners will be made available digitally for voters. Those wishing to receive physical copies must visit sagaftra.org/dvds to opt in before Jan. 2 to ensure timely delivery. Please note: Studios and networks determine which nominated titles are made available, whether digitally or on DVD. Not all titles will be available. More information will be included on this year's official voting postcard. Below right, the 60th SAG Life Achievement Award recipient Jane Fonda. Shogun's Anna Sawai, right, holds her stautette for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series. GUNNING : DAVID FISHER/SHUTTERSTOCK; SAWAI: CHAD SALVADOR/ SHUTTERSTOCK; FONDA: LISA O'CONNOR/SHUTTERSTOCK Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer) on the awards carpet.