The 31st annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards unfolded under the bright lights of the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on February 23, 2025. This year's ceremony not only celebrated outstanding performances but also stirred conversations surrounding cultural representation and political issues.
Actress Anna Sawai made headlines by not only stunning the audience with her custom Armani Privé gown but also winning the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for her role as Lady Toda Mariko in FX's hit series 'Shōgun.' Earlier, Sawai spoke with “Extra,” sharing her mixed feelings about the night. "I think this is the last award [show] for 'Shōgun' Season 1. It's a little bittersweet, but I'm happy to be here with everyone," she remarked, noting her excitement to see fellow nominee Kathy Bates.
Sawai's triumph at the SAG Awards highlighted the show’s broader theme of cultural respect, something echoed by her co-star Hiroyuki Sanada during their group's acceptance speech for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Sanada expressed gratitude to the show's creators for respecting Japanese culture, stating, "It was a big gamble for them... but 'Shōgun' and this award is showing is [sic] acting is a universal language." Their ensemble victory was among the evening’s several surprises, contributing to the show's impressive accolades this season.
The ceremony was fraught with unexpected wins and heartfelt moments. Timothée Chalamet took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in 'A Complete Unknown.' His acceptance speech was notable for its emotional intensity as he stated, "This was 5 ½ years of my life. I poured everything I had... It was the honor of a lifetime playing him.” His win added more uncertainty to the upcoming Academy Awards, with predictions swinging wildly as results shift under the unpredictable current of this awards season.
Meanwhile, the comedy genre had its own standout moments. Selena Gomez found it surreal to win the ensemble prize for 'Only Murders in the Building,' quipping, "This is so weird. Marty and Steve aren't here because they don't really care." Her acknowledgment of co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short highlighted the show's dynamic. Following the stage notes of thanks from Richard Kind who urged Gomez to acknowledge absent friends, she committed to bringing the award back to set for the fifth season.
Another significant aspect of the night was the recognition of Jane Fonda, who received the Life Achievement Award. Fonda's speech was not only inspiring but also carried political weight, with remarks directed at the current societal climate: "We are in our documentary moment. This is it. And it's not a rehearsal." Her call to action—urging for unity against injustice—resonated deeply with those present, showcasing the intersection of art and activism.
This year's SAG Awards also reflected on industry challenges, particularly the impact of the devastating wildfires earlier this year. Host Kristen Bell humorously introduced firefighters as "the most attractive tables" among the sea of celebrities, emphasizing the resilience of artists and workers alike.
Notably, 'Conclave,' which dramatizes the fictional electoral process within the Catholic Church, won the Best Ensemble award. This win came during sensitive times as Pope Francis remained critically ill. Ralph Fiennes, accepting the award for the ensemble, referenced their fictional narrative's unsettling timing with the church's real-life issues, capturing the audience's attention as he expressed solidarity with the Pope.
While the SAG Awards are often seen as a precursor to the Oscars, they also provide insights across various entertainment genres. Among the other notable winners was Kieran Culkin, who won for his role in 'A Real Pain,' and Demi Moore, recognized for her performance in 'The Substance.' Their wins, alongside others like Zoe Saldaña for her strong supporting performance, added to the diverse tableau of this year’s honorees.
Even amid celebratory moments, there were nods to the challenges associated with representation and equality within the industry. This year's ensemble achievements and the willingness of the nominees to engage with broader cultural conversations left audiences with much to reflect upon as the awards season continues.
The 2025 SAG Awards not only provided entertainment and recognition of talent but also sparked discussions about the industry's role and responsibility—both within its artistic merit and moral obligations.