Jenna Ortega Takes Home Best Performance Award At The 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards Amidst Writers Guild Strike
In a surprising turn of events at the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards, Jenna Ortega was crowned the winner of the Best Performance in a Show category for her outstanding portrayal of Wednesday in the popular Netflix series Wednesday. The awards show, which took place on Sunday, had a unique atmosphere due to the ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America (WGA), resulting in several nominees, including Ortega, being absent from the event.
The evening took an unexpected turn when host Drew Barrymore withdrew from the show to support the striking writers, who have been advocating for fair pay and improved working conditions. Many of the nominees and guests supported the strike, refusing to cross the picket line. As a result, the show was no longer live and had a more stripped-down format.
Ortega’s win was particularly notable considering the fierce competition she faced in her category. Notable nominees included Aubrey Plaza for her role in the second season of HBO’s The White Lotus, Christina Ricci for her creepy performance in Showtime’s Yellowjackets, and Riley Keough for her portrayal in the Amazon series Daisy Jones & The Six. Other nominees included Sadie Sink for her role in Stranger Things and Selena Gomez for her work in the Hulu comedy series Only Murders In The Building.
Despite her victory, Ortega was not present at the ceremony to accept her award. The absence was due to her connection with the striking writers, who had previously poked fun at her on their picket signs. The writers had referenced comments she made in a podcast interview where she admitted to changing lines on the set of Wednesday without consulting the screenwriters. While her actions were considered unprofessional by some, the creative team appeared to have resolved the issue amicably.
Ortega’s absence did not hinder the progress of the awards show, as other winners like Pedro Pascal and Jennifer Coolidge accepted their awards virtually while expressing solidarity with the striking writers. Barrymore, who had declined to host the event, made a live virtual appearance after winning the Best Host award, taking the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the writers of her talk show.
Ortega’s recent connection to the WGA strike brought attention to her actions on the set of Wednesday. Amidst the strike, many striking writers have displayed their sense of humor through their picket signs, playfully referencing Ortega’s comments. Some writers, such as Brandon Cohen and Nick Adams, used social media platforms to make light-hearted jokes about Ortega’s statements.
Despite the controversy surrounding her actions, Ortega’s success continues to grow. Netflix recently renewed Wednesday for a second season, cementing her portrayal of Wednesday Addams as a fan-favorite. With her talent and popularity, Ortega’s future in the entertainment industry remains promising.
