The 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards brought Hollywood's finest together on Sunday night at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall, marking the culmination of this year’s awards season just days before the Oscars. Streaming live on Netflix for the second consecutive year, the ceremony honored remarkable performances across both film and television, with the vibrant atmosphere heightened by the presence of numerous celebrities.
Leading the night, Wicked secured five nominations, including Best Performance by a Cast, reinforcing its popularity among audiences and critics alike. The film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, which centers around the Wicked Witch of the West, featured key performances by Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey. Each of the stars was nominated individually, showcasing their exceptional talents. Meanwhile, Shōgun mirrored this success on the television side, receiving the most nominations with five nods.
Host Kristen Bell, herself nominated for her role, fueled the evening's energy as she guided viewers through the evening’s celebrations. Among the notable presenters were veteran actress Jane Fonda, who received the SAG Life Achievement Award, alongside stars such as Harrison Ford, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Colin Farrell.
The first major upset of the night came with Timothée Chalamet winning Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. This victory surprised many, as Adrien Brody had also been considered a strong contender for his role in The Brutalist. Interestingly, it was Chalamet's second consecutive SAG win, proving his prowess as one of Hollywood's rising stars.
Zoe Saldaña drew attention as she won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her work in Emilia Pérez. Having recently made waves with her performances, Saldaña’s win reaffirms her status as one of the formidable talents of the current era. The performance piece has attracted both praise and controversy, particularly surrounding the personal history of its star, Karla Sofía Gascón, who faced scrutiny over social media comments made prior to the event.
Another highlight was Martin Short's surprise win for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Only Murders in the Building. Having long been popular for his television appearances, this recognition marks Short's moment to shine, especially as he edged out favorites like Jeremy Allen White from The Bear.
A standout moment arrived when Kieran Culkin received the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in A Real Pain. Culkin’s accolades during the awards season have been numerous, adding weight to his already established reputation from his time on Succession.
Notably, the television segment saw the cast of Shōgun clinch the Ensemble Drama Series award, which seemed destined for them after their impressive string of nominations. Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai were recognized for their individual performances, making positive waves for the FX drama series.
Among the other winners was Jessica Gunning, who took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for her compelling role as Martha in Baby Reindeer. This recognition highlighted her talent amid fierce competition from seasoned actresses like Jodie Foster.
Pushing through controversies, Wicked and A Complete Unknown led nominations across various major categories including the coveted Best Ensemble cast category. The awards this year are particularly touted as significant predictors for the upcoming Oscars on March 2, meaning the stakes were exceptionally high. Reach for the complete list of winners continues with the evening's buzz surrounding not just their performances but also how this honors the collaborative spirit within the industry.
The ceremony, filled with poignant speeches and heartfelt moments, celebrated more than just winning roles—it spotlighted the shared dedication of all performers, including Hollywood's first responders who received recognition during the precursors.
The SAG Awards have historically been seen as indicative of Oscar success, making the winners' list highly regarded. This year, as the industry transitions out of the pandemic's shadows and grapples with cultural conversations, the recognition of talents across diverse backgrounds has never felt more significant.
Looking back, the night was not just about capturing awards but heralding resilience amid controversy and societal expectations—crossing over both the creative and communal aspects of film and television.