The 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards have come and gone, leaving behind vivid memories and remarkable highlights from the star-studded event. Hosted by Kristen Bell, the evening took place at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles, where Hollywood's biggest stars gathered to celebrate their accomplishments. The ceremony showcased memorable moments, emotional speeches, and glamorous fashion as members of the entertainment industry came together to toast those who shined the most.
This year’s SAG Awards opened with familiar faces Mikey Madison, Bowen Yang, and Jessica Williams delivering the iconic "I am an actor" speech, setting the tone for what was to be another exciting night. The event featured several comedic interludes, including Ted Danson's hilarious skit alongside William Jackson Harper and Kristen Bell, not to mention the memorable reunion of Bell and Leighton Meester from their days on Gossip Girl.
Among the many standout moments of the evening, Julia Louis-Dreyfus took the stage to present the prestigious SAG Life Achievement Award to the legendary Jane Fonda. Known for her dedication to various social causes, Fonda, 87, delivered an impassioned speech about her lifelong work. With colleagues like Jennifer Aniston and Bradley Cooper acknowledging her impact, Fonda’s recognition felt deserved and heartfelt.
Alongside the accolades, the red carpet was alive with stunning fashion as various stars displayed their personal styles. Ariana Grande, dazzling in her custom pink Loewe gown, embodied her character Glinda from Wicked as she posed alongside her boyfriend and co-star Ethan Slater. The couple created quite the buzz, garnering attention from fans and media alike as they held hands throughout the gala.
Timothée Chalamet also attracted considerable attention, having been nominated and winning for his role in A Complete Unknown. His mother, Nicole Flender, accompanied him, breaking his usual trend of bringing girlfriend Kylie Jenner as his date. Chalamet’s victory speech for best actor was notable not just for its content, but also for the undeniable warmth he shared with his mother, easily making it one of the event's highlights.
But not every star had as delighted a night as Chalamet. Jeremy Strong left relatively quickly after losing the award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a supporting role for The Apprentice, with Kieran Culkin claiming the honors instead. Culkin’s acceptance speech brought levity to the ceremony as he humorously recounted his limited time on stage, adding grace and laughter to the moment.
Many of Hollywood's elite mingled behind the scenes. Backstage, winners celebrated together, with Selena Gomez particularly ecstatic after her series Only Murders in the Building took home the award for ensemble cast in a comedy series. Teaming up with co-stars Molly Shannon, Richard Kind, and Kumail Nanjiani, the joyous atmosphere reflected the camaraderie shared among the actors.
A notable reunion occurred during the night between Fonda and Demi Moore, as they embraced on the red carpet, reminiscing about their storied careers and mutual respect for one another. Meanwhile, Jamie Lee Curtis caught up with her former co-stars from The Bear, illustrating the warm bonds formed within the industry.
Fashion statements were prevalent throughout the event. Cynthia Erivo dazzled on the red carpet, donning her eye-catching silver Givenchy Couture ensemble, drawing comparisons to past decades with her choice of attire. Meanwhile, Keke Palmer glimmered in her archival black velvet Chanel gown, replete with eye-catching embellishments. These fashion choices not only made headlines but added to the overall spectacular glitz of the SAG Awards.
Despite the glamour, it was Fonda's Lifetime Achievement Award speech, introduced by Louis-Dreyfus, which encapsulated the spirit of the evening and the powerful narrative at play. Fonda briefly reflected on her titular feud with Richard Nixon and her earlier activism, recounting how she was black-listed from Hollywood due to her political involvement. Fonda’s tenacity and commitment to speaking out against injustice remain unrivaled, showcasing the importance of using influence for the greater good.
The ceremony culminated as stars gathered backstage to have their awards engraved, cementing their place within the fabric of Hollywood history. Surrounded by their peers, individuals like Chalamet shared laughs, creating lasting memories away from the spotlight.
Live-streamed through Netflix, the 31st SAG Awards offered viewers worldwide the chance to witness this memorable evening filled with talent, recognition, and heartfelt moments, proving once again the enduring love and passion within the acting community.
With the SAG Awards behind us, both the winners and the audience are left with plenty of tales to tell, from touching speeches to exciting reunions, ensuring this night will not soon be forgotten.