Hollywood is ready to shine once again as the 31st annual Screen Actors Guild Awards are set to honor the very best of television and film. Scheduled to stream live on Netflix on February 23, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, the ceremony is eagerly awaited by industry insiders and fans alike.
This unique awards show, which recognizes excellence only among actors for actors, is particularly notable for its emotional resonance. Stars will come together to celebrate their peers across 15 categories, from Best Cast in a Motion Picture to Best Stunt Ensemble in Television. According to Kristen Bell, the host of this year's ceremony, the importance of such events is magnified following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, which prompted her initial hesitance about proceeding with the awards. "I realized these awards shows are a huge part of Los Angeles' economy, employing hundreds, if not thousands, of gig workers: drivers, hair and makeup artists, musicians," Bell told USA Today. "It's actually Paramount we have them so these people can work. At first, it felt superfluous to have an awards show, but then I thought, I know so many people who lost homes." Acknowledging this reality, she emphasized the importance of providing some levity for those affected.
This year’s ceremony promises to feature high-profile nominees, including Demi Moore for her thrilling role in The Substance and Adrien Brody, whose captivating performance as lead actor in The Brutalist has garnered acclaim. The competition is fierce, with films like Anora, Conclave, and Wicked aiming for the prestigious Best Picture title. "Whether they were snubbed at the Oscars or not, the SAG Awards give actors another shot at recognition for their craft," noted one industry observer.
Numerous productions have caught the attention of the SAG-AFTRA members, who are the ones casting their votes. The nominees also reflect broader trends with shows like Bridgerton, Hacks, and Shrinking leading the comedy categories, alongside gritty dramas like Shōgun and The Day of the Jackal.
While the nominees encapsulate remarkable talent, the night will truly shine as it pays tribute to legendary actress Jane Fonda, who will receive the 60th SAG Life Achievement Award. Frances Drescher, the SAG-AFTRA president, praised Fonda, stating, "Jane Fonda is a trailblazer and extraordinary talent — she has shaped the entertainment and advocacy landscapes with unwavering passion; we honor her legacy, not just for artistic brilliance but also for her activism and empowerment." Fonda’s recognition encapsulates the spirit of the awards as they celebrate exceptional individuals who impact culture positively.
It’s not just about the serious awards, though. The SAG Awards often include light-hearted moments, as Kristen Bell hinted at special surprises inspired by the film Wicked, which is showing up with the most nominations this year, boasting five nods. "I just think it’s been the most important film we’ve ever made. I say ‘we’ because... I feel like I know some people involved, so I can say ‘we,’" she teased. When pressed about the possibility of seeing a performance themed around Wicked during the ceremony, she playfully responded, "We might expect something big from Wicked," indicating her excitement to tie the familiar musical elements with the SAG Awards pageantry.
Also among the nominated works are strong contenders like Abbott Elementary, which earned numerous accolades, as well as actors like Adam Brody, who, alongside Bell, is vying for comedic excellence. The inclusion of stunt work in the award categories adds another layer of recognition for the combined efforts of cast and crew, acknowledging all those who contribute behind the scenes. The recognition of stunt ensembles from films like Deadpool & Wolverine and Dune: Part Two marks the awards ceremony’s continual progression toward broader representation of all performance types.
Overall, the SAG Awards signify more than accolades; they represent camaraderie within the acting community and recognition of peer accomplishments. The blend of formal recognition and light-hearted festivities serves both to honor the art of acting and to provide much-needed entertainment. Fans across the globe eagerly await the ceremonial event, paving the way for another exciting chapter in award season.