The 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards took place on Sunday night at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall, where the stars lit up the red carpet and audiences tuned in via Netflix for the live stream. Hosted by Kristen Bell, this year's ceremony marked another chapter of honoring the best film and television performances as chosen by the members of SAG-AFTRA, the powerful labor union representing media professionals.
With the SAG Awards considered a precursor to the Oscars, the ceremony drew significant attention as it unveiled contenders and award winners who are likely to claim Academy Awards on March 2. "Wicked" led the night with five nominations, proudly competing for the prestigious Outstanding Performance by a Cast, the evening's highlight award.
Kristen Bell, whose Netflix comedy series "Nobody Wants This" earned her nominations for Best Female Actor, took the reins as host for the second time, having originally been the SAG Awards' first-ever host since its inception. Prior to the show, she shared her excitement on social media stating, "This means the world to me. I never thought I'd see myself nominated alongside such incredible talent!" Her infectious energy set the stage for the night's events.
Notably, the ceremony honored the legendary Jane Fonda with the SAG Life Achievement Award, presented by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. At 87, Fonda exuded vitality and deliverance as she touched upon her 65-year career, reminding viewers of the power of empathy. "What we create is empathy. Our job is to understand another human being so deeply... that's the essence of acting," she expressed, reinforcing her commitment to social justice and activism.
Despite some technical issues during the broadcast, including mic feedback and teleprompter difficulties—much to the laughter of the audience—there were numerous highlights. The opening segment, "I Am An Actor," showcased various stars recounting their origins and journeys through acting, reminding the audience of the challenging beginnings faced even by Hollywood's biggest names.
On the film side, "A Complete Unknown" and "Anora" also saw success, claiming notable mentions and recognizing rising talent like Timothée Chalamet, who won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor for his portrayal of Bob Dylan. During his heartfelt speech, Chalamet acknowledged the pressure of awards season, saying, "This is a great honor. I just want to keep chasing greatness—one step at a time." He has undoubtedly placed himself firmly within conversation for the upcoming Oscars.
The television categories saw Hulu's offerings leading with "Shōgun" receiving five nominations, merely proving the platform's advocacy for dynamic storytelling. Meanwhile,
"The Bear" and "Only Murders in the Building" also picked up awards, symbolizing the continued evolution of comedic and dramatic narratives on the small screen.
Throughout the night, actors expressed camaraderie and proud moments from their careers. Ariana Grande and Colman Domingo, among other presenters, reminded the audience of the joy of being recognized by peers.
Among the lighter, comedic moments, the connection and banter between Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny from "The X-Files" spurred nostalgia and laughter as they presented the award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble. Their playful jab about partnership roles brought warmth to the ever-competitive environment of awards.
Yet, it was through unplanned interactions like Harrison Ford casually snacking during another actor's moment or Bell's Frozen-inspired song—"Do You Want to Be An Actor?"
—that encapsulated the night’s charm. Bell’s whimsical rendition brought countless memories to the forefront, celebrated by audience members reliving their earlier performances and struggles.
Among the emotional stories, Demi Moore took to the stage to express gratitude for her award for "The Substance," reflecting on her early beginnings: "Receiving this SAG Award honors the path I've walked and every artist who inspires me."
The SAG Awards not only serve as recognition for individual prowess but are also seen as joyful reunions for many actors, showcasing their journeys as they navigate their careers.
This unforgettable evening set the tone for the glitz and glamour of the upcoming Oscars. With its mix of laughter, heartfelt speeches, and technical challenges, the 2025 SAG Awards certainly left viewers eager for the next show, reinforcing the idea of resilience within this star-studded industry.