The 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards took place on Sunday evening, celebrating the best of the film and television industries just one week shy of the Academy Awards. This year’s ceremony showcased surprise winners and heartfelt moments, leaving both audiences and industry insiders buzzing about its potential impact on the Oscar race.
The standout film of the night was Conclave, which snagged the prestigious award for Best Ensemble Cast, the SAG equivalent of Best Picture. This film, focusing on the clandestine selection process of the Pope, features an impressive cast including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini. Accepting the award, Fiennes spoke passionately about the significance of community in both film and life: "People have spoken so eloquently and movingly about community. I don't want to add more, but I think we do recognize the supreme importance of it in our work and in the world." Fiennes' remarks underscored the evening's theme of togetherness among artists.
Timothée Chalamet carved out his moment of glory as he secured the award for Best Actor for his role as the young Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. His win was particularly notable, considering he edged out the heavily favored Adrien Brody for his performance as László Tóth. Chalamet’s acceptance speech revealed his aspirations, stating, "I know we're in a subjective business but the truth is, I’m really in pursuit of greatness. I know people don’t usually talk like this, but I want to be one of the greats." The 29-year-old actor reflected on his dedication to the role, emphasizing the five years spent immersing himself as the iconic musician.
Demi Moore also made waves as she won Best Actress for her unforgettable performance in the horror film The Substance, where she plays an aging celebrity whose quest for youth through experimental treatments leads to tragic consequences. This marks what some are calling her career resurgence. During her speech, Moore articulated the transformative power of acting, declaring, "Acting changed my life because it gave me meaning, it gave me purpose and it gave me direction, because I was a kid on my own, who had no blueprint for life."
Another significant moment came from Jane Fonda, who received the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award. Her powerful address was both inspiring and pointed, as she urged her peers to fight against regressive political movements: "This [award] is less like a late 'twilight of my life' and more like, 'Go girl, kick ass!' which is good as I am not done." Her comments echoed the sentiment of needling for social change and drew applause from the audience, emphasizing the role of Hollywood as both art and activism.
Best Supporting Actor went to Kieran Culkin for his role as Benji Kaplan in A Real Pain, and Zoe Saldana claimed the corresponding award for her portrayal of Rita in Emilia Perez. Both actors have captured the spotlight throughout awards season, leading many to expect their nominations for the Oscars. The winners of the SAG Awards greatly influence the Oscar race, as actors constitute the largest branch of the Academy voting body.
Among the evening's surprises, Martin Short and Jean Smart emerged victors as Best Actor and Actress, respectively, for their roles in Only Murders in the Building and Hacks. Their wins solidified the pace of comedy’s representation this year, demonstrating the range and depth of talent celebrated at the SAGs.
The ceremony also spotlighted the achievements of television; Japanese period drama Shogun swept the dramatic categories, including Best Ensemble. Its success showcased the shift toward both international storytelling and the melding of cultures within mainstream narratives.
Overall, the emotional two-hour televised event exemplified Hollywood's best, with notable wins and impassioned speeches shaping the narrative going forward to the Academy Awards. With both excitement and uncertainty looming over the Oscar predictions, the SAG Awards have truly intensified the stakes of the awards season.