Today : Feb 24, 2025
Arts & Culture
24 February 2025

2025 SAG Awards Celebrate Best Performances Ahead Of Oscars

Nominees from films like Wicked and A Complete Unknown showcase talent before the Academy Awards.

The 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards are officially here, aligning with the excitement of the awards season as the nominees get ready to take center stage. Hosted by the talented Kristen Bell, this ceremony serves not just as recognition for actors, but also as a key predictor for the upcoming Academy Awards set to air on March 2, 2025. With many anticipating winners from this evening, the SAG Awards are ceremonial as well as strategic for those competing for Oscars.

Leading the pack are the musical Wicked and the drama series Shōgun, both boasting five nominations each, including prestigious categories such as Outstanding Performance by a Film Ensemble and Outstanding Performance by a Drama Series Ensemble. Other notable films and series include the biographical film A Complete Unknown, which secured four nominations, and the musical Emilia Pérez, as well as the comedy Anora each earning three nominations.

The ceremony promises to showcase not only talent but also incredible style, as stars like Cynthia Erivo, nominated for her leading role in Wicked, dazzle on the red carpet. Erivo’s glittering presence is matched by fellow nominees including Timothée Chalamet, competing for his role as the iconic Bob Dylan. With red-carpet moments to look forward to, the fashion statements made by these actors often submit as memorable as their performances.

Not only is the SAG Awards seen as indicative of potential Oscars outcomes, but they also carry emotional significance for the actors involved. The SAG Awards are voted on by members of SAG-AFTRA, the labor union representing actors and other media professionals, lending weight to the acknowledgement received during tonight’s gala. The SAG win resonates deeply within the community as each recipient is chosen by their peers, capturing the spirit of the phrase, “for actors, by actors.”

This year’s nominees reflect the diversity and talent across the film and television industries: in addition to Cynthia Erivo’s standout role, nominees for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor include the likes of Adrien Brody, Ralph Fiennes, and Colman Domingo. Each actor brings not only their unique abilities to their roles but also personal flair to the awards night. Notably, Brody’s affiliation with J. Crew and Chalamet's flair for adornment adds layers of personality to this festive gathering.

On the television side, Shōgun and The Bear have been highlighted for their impressive performances, contending among impressive nominees for Outstanding Drama Ensemble. These narratives not only entertain but also push the envelope as showcases of storytelling within dynamic cast interactions.

Streaming live on Netflix from the Shrine Auditorium at 8 p.m. ET, viewers are guaranteed rich content from the SAG Awards presentation. The event's significance escalates with the added honor of recognizing Jane Fonda with the Life Achievement Award, reflecting her expansive influence across the film industry.

Fashion plays another pivotal role at the SAG Awards, as audiences expect to see breathtaking outfits from their favorite stars. Will Cynthia Erivo sport another memorable look similar to her previous appearances? And how will Anna Sawai, fresh off her Golden Globe win, channel her iconic style at this event?

With nominations at stake and the upcoming Oscars looming, the 2025 SAG Awards become must-see television—an intersection of talent, beauty, and anticipation crafting the essence of Hollywood’s season of celebration. Keep the refresh button handy as the award winners will be updated live during the ceremony, making it all the more exciting and dynamic. You won't want to miss this momentous night as the sprinkling of incredible performances takes center stage!