Los Angeles – Chris Keyser and David A. Goodman, co-chairs of the 2023 WGA Negotiating Committee, have been announced as the joint recipients of the prestigious WGAW Morgan Cox Award for their exceptional contributions to the Guild during the 2023 MBA negotiations and subsequent strike. The duo will be recognized at the upcoming Writers Guild Awards L.A. show on April 14 at the Hollywood Palladium.
WGA West President Meredith Stiehm expressed admiration for Keyser and Goodman, stating, “David and Chris love this union.” She commended their dedication and leadership roles in various Guild campaigns, including the Agency campaign and the vital MBA negotiations. Stiehm emphasized their unwavering commitment and support to the Guild membership during the challenging times.
Fellow Guild member Ellen Stutzman, the WGA West Executive Director, commended Keyser and Goodman for their tireless efforts in building solidarity among the membership. She highlighted their role in addressing critical issues faced by writers and credited them with strengthening the union through their collective actions.
Leading up to the negotiations, Goodman and Keyser actively engaged with Guild members to understand their concerns and effectively communicated the existential threats to the profession. Their presence on picket lines and continuous communication with members played a crucial role in maintaining solidarity throughout the strike.
Keyser and Goodman were pivotal in negotiating significant gains for screenwriters during the 2023 negotiations. Their direct involvement in discussions with company executives ultimately led to a groundbreaking deal after a 148-day strike, securing substantial benefits for writers across various areas in the industry.
Both Keyser and Goodman have extensive backgrounds in television writing and have served the Guild diligently over the years. Keyser, a WGA member since 1989, has been involved in creating and producing several acclaimed TV series, while Goodman, who joined the Guild in 1988, has an impressive resume of writing and showrunning various television shows and films.
The Morgan Cox Award is a testament to the exemplary service and dedication of WGA members to the Guild. Previous recipients of this prestigious award include notable industry figures who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the interests of television writers.
The Writers Guild Awards, scheduled for April 14, 2024, will celebrate outstanding writing across various mediums, including film, television, and new media. The event will be held at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles and the Edison Ballroom in New York City.
For more information about the 2024 Writers Guild Awards and press credentials, interested parties can visit awards.wga.org or wgaeast.org/awards. Media inquiries regarding the event can be directed to the respective communications departments in Los Angeles and New York as provided in the original article.