Hollywood actors are on strike, but many A-list celebrities are still working. Internal dispute

Hollywood's hot labor summer has sparked historic solidarity among thousands of union workers who have joined sweatshops around Los Angeles and New York.

Until SAG-AFTRA began allowing independent film projects and series — featuring A-list stars like Anne Hathaway, Kevin Costner, Mel Gibson, Glenn Close and Dakota Fanning — to continue production despite the twin shocks that crippled Hollywood.

Comedian Sarah Silverman has attacked SAG-AFTRA's interim contract with movie producers, calling it a "real stinker" that led to a three-week walkout by members of the Writers Guild of America. We have been picketing since May 2.

"People are making real sacrifices ... writers, actors, crew ... sacrificing their entertainment," Silverman said in an Instagram video late last week. "The Union is strong - we're all in this together."

SAG-AFTRA has approved contracts with independent producers that allow more than 110 independent film projects and series to move forward during the strike. But the move sparked confusion, accusations of favoritism and heated debate over whether the transaction helped or hindered the actor's career.

Actors earn minimum wage, a larger share of revenue from streaming shows and endorsements, so the use of artificial intelligence does not fund background work.

The drama escalated when Oscar winner Viola Davis announced that she would no longer be moving forward with independent film G20, which received one of the interim contracts. A film about the president of the United States protecting the world from terrorists will be shot in South Africa. Davis recently said it was "inappropriate" to continue during the strike.

SAG-AFTRA defended the contracts, calling them a "critical part" of its strategic approach to negotiations.