SAG-AFTRA Honored with Luminaries in Television Award at SeriesFest: Season 10

SeriesFest, a nonprofit organization known for its focus on the television industry, recognized SAG-AFTRA during its 10th anniversary festival, SeriesFest: Season 10.

During the festival, which took place from May 1–5 in Denver, SAG-AFTRA member leaders and staff attended the SeriesFest Soireé on May 3. Among those in attendance were SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Linda Powell; Vice President, Los Angeles Jodi Long; Vice President, Actors/Performers Shari Belafonte; National Board member Nancy Flanagan; Colorado Local President Sonny G. and Local Secretary Denis Berkfeldt; and National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.

SAG-AFTRA was the recipient of the Luminaries in Television Award, in recognition of its longtime partnership and integral support of SeriesFest’s live read programming and Storytellers Initiative, an annual scriptwriting competition spotlighting innovative scriptwriting and storytelling from rising talent. Crabtree-Ireland, who accepted the award on the union’s behalf, thanked SeriesFest for its ongoing work and the union’s membership for their contributions to the television industry.

“Being here tonight, celebrating episodic storytelling that ignites passion in audiences like no other, is a privilege. To all performers, writers and creators who continue to pursue this art even through uncertainty, you embody courage and resilience. Remember, the stories you tell are as ancient as the Odyssey and as vital as any work of art — they shape our culture and change our world. Thank you for your art, your passion and your voice. It’s truly essential,” said Crabtree-Ireland.

Other honorees were actors Minnie Driver and Betsy Beers, and American television production company Shondaland, which was also recognizing 20 years of its hit drama series Grey’s Anatomy.

During the festival, SAG-AFTRA hosted the Collegiate Fellows Talk with SAG-AFTRA Contract Strategic Initiatives and Podcasts National Director Sue-Anne Morrow and Director Shaine Griffin, and Entertainment Contracts National Director Jessica Johnson on May 2. A 2024 Storyteller’s Live Read also took place on May 2. On May 4, Powell, Long, and Belafonte participated in the Spotlight on SAG-AFTRA Leadership panel, with Deadline writer Peter White moderating.

Photo: From left, SeriesFest Co-Founder Kaily Smith, SAG-AFTRA Colorado Local Vice President Golden Goodwin; SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Actors/Performers Shari Belafonte; Vice President, Los Angeles Jodi Long; National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, Executive Vice President Linda Powell; National Board member Nancy Flanagan; Colorado Local President Sonny G. and SeriesFest Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Randi Kleiner during the SeriesFest:Season 10 10th Anniversary Gala on May 2. SAG-AFTRA was the recipient of the Luminaries in Television Award.