The 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards took place on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium near downtown Los Angeles, celebrating exceptional performances by actors across film and television. The night was filled with star-studded appearances and anticipation, as members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) gathered to honor the remarkable talent showcased throughout the past year.
One of the standout moments of the evening arrived early when Kieran Culkin claimed the first award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for his role in A Real Pain. His win set the pace for what turned out to be an exhilarating evening filled with recognition for both established and rising stars.
The nominations this year included heavyweights from movies and TV series. The films Wicked, Emilia Pérez, A Complete Unknown, and Anora were all contending for the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture trophy, demonstrating the depth of talent showcased throughout 2024.
Equally competitive was the television category, with popular series such as Shogun, The Bear, The Diplomat, and Baby Reindeer clinching nominations. The event highlighted the extensive talent pools found within these productions, leading to fierce competition across the board.
But if there was one true highlight of the evening, it was legendary actress Jane Fonda receiving the coveted Life Achievement Award. At 87 years old, Fonda's illustrious career spans more than six decades and includes two Oscars, eight Golden Globes, and an Emmy. Her acceptance speech was as heartfelt as it was inspirational, emphasizing her continual pursuit of excellence, saying, "I have just always felt I wasn’t good enough...that I always wanted to getbetter." This desire for self-improvement has been the driving force behind her success and her passion for activism. Fonda demonstrated her commitment to social justice and change, proving her purpose extends far beyond the screen.
Winners continued to be announced, showcasing stunning performances across genres. For Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, Demi Moore took home the award for her role in The Substance. Timothée Chalamet also bagged the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in A Complete Unknown, marking significant victories for both actors and heightening its Oscar buzz.
Winners also included Zoe Saldaña for her supporting role in Emilia Pérez and Hiroyuki Sanada, recognized for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series for his role in Shogun. Meanwhile, the comedy category saw Martin Short win for his role in Only Murders in the Building, demonstrating just how eclectic this year's performances were.
Other notable winners included Jessica Gunning for her performance in Baby Reindeer and the ensemble cast of Shogun, which won for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, showing the diverse talent present across various forms of storytelling this past year.
The coverage of the SAG Awards isn't only significant for the honors it bestows but also because it sets the stage for the upcoming Oscar ceremonies. Being the largest actor voting body for the Academy Awards, SAG's influence on the Oscars can often shape the outcomes. With the Oscar ceremony just over the horizon on March 2, 2025, the SAG Awards serve as both celebration and predictor.
The buzz surrounding the films showcased at the SAG Awards, particularly Anora, has led many to label it as the next Oscar best picture favorite. If it can secure the SAG Award for Best Ensemble, it will gain considerable momentum heading toward the Oscars. Alternatively, the strong showings by films like Conclave add another layer of intrigue to the Oscar race, making this award season particularly exciting.
With all the anticipated wins and shoutouts, the 2025 SAG Awards lived up to its reputation as one of the most prestigious nights for actors to celebrate their peers. The mixture of heartfelt tribute speeches and glamorous wins made it clear: this community honors its own with the utmost dedication.
On this note, the SAG Awards not only present accolades but also celebrate the artistry and hard work behind the camera and on screen. Every nominee shared their achievements, contributing to art's rich narrative. From the glitz and glam of the red carpet to the celebration of accomplishments, the SAG Awards served to highlight excellence within the performing arts.