The 2025 SAG Awards burst with unforgettable moments, heartwarming acceptance speeches, and delightful surprises, especially notable reunions from beloved television casts. On February 23, the ceremony not only celebrated remarkable performances but also sparked joy among fans, as they witnessed stars from Gossip Girl, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and New Girl coming together, dragging nostalgia along for the ride.
Among the standout moments was the surprise appearance of New Girl favorites Zooey Deschanel and Max Greenfield. The duo took to the stage to present the award for Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series, bringing back memories from their time on the show. Deschanel, clad in a tuxedo-inspired dress which matched her fiancé Jonathan Scott, radiated joy as she walked arm-in-arm with Greenfield, prompting laughter and warmth from the audience.
"You look amazing," Greenfield complimented Deschanel, who enthusiastically responded, "So do you! How long has it been?" Their chemistry was palpable, and laughter echoed as Greenfield humorously noted, “We wrapped New Girl eight years ago, and so the last time we saw each other must have been… Yeah, I guess eight years ago.”
What followed was reminiscent of their witty banter on the show, especially when they turned their attention to their former castmate Lamorne Morris, who won an Emmy for his role on Fargo last year. Deschanel asked Greenfield, "Remember Lamorne? Have you talked to or seen Lamorne?" With mock seriousness, Greenfield replied, “It's been challenging since... well, you know. The Emmy.” The playful tease culminated when Deschanel cleverly referenced Morris's magazine cover on Men's Fitness, highlighting the good-natured camaraderie between the former co-stars.
Reflecting on their days on the show, Deschanel expressed, "When I look back on our experience on New Girl, I just wish I had known you could never get back time. Just hanging out with my bros every day was such a good time." Greenfield added, "Being part of an ensemble is so special, and if there was one thing I could have done differently, it would only be this—and this is something every nominated cast should do tonight. Share with each other your love, share with each other your gratitude, and share with each other how much money you guys make per episode, plus any raises you received after multiple seasons—that's important."
The chemistry and humor shared between Deschanel and Greenfield seemed to ignite hope within New Girl fans for the possibility of a future reunion. Greenfield previously shared during a joint People interview with Morris and others from the cast, they are all waiting for the green light from Liz Meriwether, the creator of New Girl. "We get asked so many questions about the show, and 'What about a reunion?' And none of it is up to us," he explained. "It's so much about Liz Meriwether and what she would do differently and how she would direct the show if she wanted to do a reunion."
Only time will tell whether the SAG Awards served as enough motivation for the cast to gather again, but for one night, fans felt connected to their cherished series once more. Through laughter, shared memories, and heartfelt speeches, the 2025 SAG Awards became not only a night of accolades but also a tribute to friendship and the enduring bond of ensemble casts driven by genuine camaraderie. The heartfelt reflections shared on stage struck resounding chords, reminding everyone of the value of collaboration, creativity, and the inevitable pull of nostalgia.