With the 97th Academy Awards just around the corner, the excitement surrounding the upcoming Oscars has reached fever pitch. The recent Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) added to this suspense, showcasing tight races for both Lead Actor and Lead Actress categories. Often referred to as the prelude to the Oscars, the SAG Awards results can be telling about what might happen at Hollywood's biggest night.
This year's SAG Awards were held on Sunday evening at the Shrine Auditorium, hosted by Kristen Bell, who herself was up for the award for her show “Nobody Wants This.” The two-hour ceremony marked its 31st edition and was streamed live globally, allowing audiences worldwide to witness the evening's events, which included candid moments and, yes, some swearing.
Interestingly, of the top five SAG prizes offered—Ensemble Cast, Leading Actress, Leading Actor, Supporting Actor, and Supporting Actress—four of last year’s winners went on to take home Oscars, reinforcing the SAG's predictive prowess. For example, last year's eventual Best Picture winner, “Oppenheimer,” swept SAG with wins for Best Cast, Male Actor Leading Role for Cillian Murphy, and Male Actor Supporting Role for Robert Downey Jr.
This year, the surprise standout was Timothée Chalamet, who claimed the Leading Actor award for his role as Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown.” Chalamet's victory was unexpected, especially considering Adrien Brody’s stronghold on earlier awards like the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards. Brody, starring in “The Brutalist,” previously had momentum, but the SAG accolades have shifted the conversation. An elated Chalamet expressed his gratitude on stage, saying, “I poured everything I had… I am in pursuit of greatness.”
Yet, the future of Brody remains uncertain as the Oscars loom. His film has seen more nominations than Chalamet’s work, yet there’s a concern it might not resonate as widely with Academy voters, particularly within the newly expanded membership base. Comparatively, “A Complete Unknown” presents as more accessible, appealing to broader audiences.
The SAG Awards are particularly pivotal as they often mirror the Academy's choices, and this year is no exception. The results from this annual gala not only provided entertainment but also stirred anticipations for the forthcoming Oscars, especially with the Best Picture race featuring films like “Conclave” and “Anora.” “Conclave” took home SAG's best ensemble award, signaling significant industry backing, even though it missed out on directorial nods for Edward Berger.
What’s more, “Anora” came to the awards with momentum, having secured top honors from the Directors Guild and Producers Guild. The SAG win for “Conclave” adds complexity to the upcoming Oscar race. Only one film, “Argo,” has ever won the Best Picture Oscar without being nominated for Best Director, which looms large over both films. Especially intriguing is the SAG's history; many surprise winners for the Oscar have first claimed victories at the SAG Awards, creating doubt about how the Academy might lean this time.
Turning to the Best Actress category, the stakes were equally high. The SAG Awards showcased strong contenders, with Demi Moore from “The Substance” going head-to-head with Mikey Madison from “Anora.” While Moore was viewed as having the edge after securing earlier awards, Madison's recent momentum from BAFTAS and Spirit Awards cast uncertainty on the outcome. Meanwhile, another underdog, Fernanda Torres from “I'm Still Here,” could disrupt the expected outcomes even though her film gained traction late—though historically, winners without SAG nominations are rare.
Supporting categories saw Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña receive expected wins, aligning them with trends established by previous award shows. Saldaña, when accepting her award, shared, “I am proud to be part of a union,” emphasizing the importance of representation which resonates well with the SAG audience.
While the SAG Awards might not determine Oscar winners outright, they certainly bring clarity and excitement to the awards season narrative. Observers expect this year's Oscars to continue the trend of unpredictability, especially with films showcasing diverse stories and talent. With the ceremony scheduled for March 2, this year's nominees have certainly raised more questions than answers.
Hollywood enthusiasts are left eagerly anticipating whether the surprises at the SAG will translate to Oscar acclaim, keeping everyone guessing until the final envelopes are opened and those coveted golden statues are awarded. Who will take home the highest honor? Will Kimothée Chalamet break records, or will Adrien Brody affirm his legendary status? The excitement surrounding this awards season proves captivating, with each development adding layers to the races yet to be concluded.
Stay tuned, as the fervor only grows leading up to Oscar night—where dreams are made, legacies formed, and surprises await.