The 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards lit up Los Angeles on February 23, gathering industry luminaries at the Shrine Auditorium to recognize outstanding achievements in film and television. The annual event, viewed as a significant precursor to the Academy Awards, showcased powerful performances, emotional speeches, and even some touching reminders of the industry's challenges.
Leading the night with four awards, the historical drama series Shogun set the tone for the evening's celebration. The star-studded gala saw Timothée Chalamet winning for Best Actor for his captivating portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, spurring excitement for his potential Oscar run.
Chalamet, visibly overwhelmed, shared his gratitude, saying, "I poured everything I had" and expressing his aspirations to join the ranks of greats like Marlon Brando and Viola Davis. This marked his first major industry recognition, alongside the recent BAFTA nomination, and positioned him as one of the stronger contenders for the upcoming Oscars.
On the women's side, Demi Moore took home the award for Best Actress for her role in The Substance, continuing her noteworthy awards season momentum following her Golden Globe win.
Chalamet and Moore's success set the stage for the evening's celebrations, yet the event was not without its challenges. The night also spotlighted industry realities, particularly the impact of the severe California wildfires. Host Kristen Bell initially questioned the appropriateness of proceeding with the ceremony and later highlighted its significant economic role—employing many gig workers—before embracing the celebration of their craft.
Several notable stars could not attend due to various reasons. Martin Short, who won for his role in Only Murders in the Building, was absent due to COVID-19. His friend Steve Martin shared his diagnosis after the duo participated in Saturday Night Live's anniversary special. Despite his absence, Short expressed gratitude, stating, "The honor of being awarded by your peers is even greater. Thank you so much." Likewise, actress Jean Smart, who also received accolades for her performance, was absent due to work commitments.
The evening's most emotional moment came with Jane Fonda receiving the Life Achievement Award. At 87, the actress delivered a heartfelt speech, urging her peers to embrace empathy amid the current political climate. "What we, actors, create is empathy. Our job is to understand another human being so deeply," she articulated, calling for unity and reflection during tumultuous times.
Fonda's address touched on pressing social issues, commenting, "A whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening" and emphasizing the need to listen with open hearts. She also made headlines by redefining the term “woke,” emphasizing its connection to caring for others.
While the awards presented opportunities for celebration, the backdrop of the recent wildfires shaped the evening's narrative, prompting many attendees to reflect on the witness of resilience and recovery efforts within the community. The ceremony doubled as acknowledgment of crisis management—highlighting the importance of providing support and relief to those affected.
The event concluded with industry reflection, showcasing not just the competitive spirit of the nominees but also solidarity among peers as they navigate their roles amid adversity. The SAG Awards demonstrated the importance of community within the entertainment industry, making space for accolades and conversations about broader societal impacts.
Many eyes will now turn toward the Academy Awards set to take place on March 2, with the SAG results often serving as valuable indicators of Oscar outcomes. Following the close of the event, with applause still ringing through the auditorium, the night's winners left with hopes for both personal achievements and the well-being of their broader community.
Celebrations aside, the realization of the sentiment shared by Fonda reverberates: this is not just about accolades but also about the societal narratives actors shape and the empathy they cultivate through their work. The night showcased Hollywood's enduring spirit, and the commitment to push forward, regardless of the uncertainties looming on the horizon.