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LOS ANGELES - A prominent annual awards show has scaled back plans for its latest edition as Hollywood's writers' strike continues to hurt gala events across the entertainment industry, it was reported Wednesday.
The "Extra" syndicated entertainment news show reported that the 34th People's Choice awards on January 8 would take place behind closed doors and there would be no red-carpet arrivals event.
The decision comes amid increased speculation that major awards shows such as the Oscars and Golden Globes could be hit by the dispute between writers and producers, with the possibility events may be surrounded by picket lines.
Several actors sympathetic to the writers' cause have already voiced unease about the prospect of crossing a picket line to step on to the red carpet, raising the possibility of an awards show stripped of stars.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the Writers Guild of America had rejected requests for waivers from organizers of the Golden Globes and the Oscars.
Reports have said the waiver rejections were part of the writers' strategy to force studios back to the negotiating table after a resumption of talks broke down on December 7.
Hollywood screenwriters have been on strike since November 5 after the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) failed to agree terms for a new contract that expired in October.
Negotiations foundered over the writers' demands for an increased share of profits from Internet and new media sales.
The seven-week strike has forced the suspension of numerous television series as well as the postponement of work on several Hollywood films.
- AFP /ls
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