Two-time Oscar winner George Clooney has become one of the highest-profile actors to speak out in support of striking SAG members, calling the walkout an “inflection point” in the entertainment industry.

In a statement released today, Clooney said that “actors and writers in large numbers have lost their ability to make a living” and that “for our industry to survive that has to change.” He added that “the journey starts now.”

The strike, which was ratified by SAG’s leadership yesterday, comes after failed negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The dispute is expected to rumble for some time, as the writers strike has so far been going for nearly three months.

Clooney’s statement comes as a number of A-listers have shown their support for the striking actors. At the Oppenheimer premiere yesterday, Emily Blunt and Matt Damon departed the screening in solidarity with the walkout.

Clooney recently wrapped production on MGM movie The Boys in the Boat.

Here are some additional details:

• The strike is the first major labor action in Hollywood since the 2007-2008 writers strike.
• The AMPTP is the trade association that represents the major film and television studios.
• The strike is over a number of issues, including compensation, health care, and residuals.
• The strike is expected to have a significant impact on the entertainment industry, as it could delay or cancel productions.