Emerald Fennell reacted to the end of the actors strike ahead of a screening of her upcoming film, Saltburn.
The Oscar-winning writer hit the red carpet in New York City on Thursday with star and Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan to celebrate the MGM drama. The screening marked one of the first events following SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers reaching a deal, therefore ending the 118-day actors strike, which allowed for Keoghan’s special appearance.
“I feel great. The strike is over,” Fennell told The Hollywood Reporter. “Honestly, I was just so proud of everyone who struck for such a long time and got such a great deal, and it’s just amazing.”
The writer-director, who also produces the film, shared that she was on a plane when she found out the actors strike was over, so she couldn’t celebrate too much, but she cheered quietly in her seat.
“It’s just so exciting to now have all the actors back,” she said. “I’m just looking forward to seeing everyone honestly. They’ve just done the best job. They’re all so talented, and they really, really deserve for people to see how amazing their work is.”
Saltburn follows Oliver Quick (Keoghan) as he struggles to find his place at Oxford University. He becomes drawn to the world of Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), a charming aristocrat who invites Oliver to spend the summer at Saltburn, his family’s sprawling estate in the English countryside.
“I wanted to make a film about desire and about what we want and how we get it,” Fennell explained of her goal with the MGM project. Saltburn is already getting awards buzz, particularly for Keoghan and Fennell.
Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver, Archie Madekwe and Carey Mulligan round out the cast of the movie, produced by Margot Robbie, her husband Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara through their banner LuckyChap Entertainment.
Saltburn hits theaters select theaters Nov. 17 before being released everywhere Nov. 22.
