The 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards took place Sunday, February 23, where the stars gathered to honor the standout performances of the year. This year's ceremony saw surprise winners, significant acknowledgments, and emotional moments, all of which made it one to watch as Hollywood gears up for the Oscars.
The most notable win of the evening was for the papal thriller Conclave, which took home the prestigious award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The film, set against the backdrop of the Vatican, dramatizes the fictional election of a new pope. Ralph Fiennes, one of its stars, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the ensemble. "Wow," he said from the stage. "I’ve not been elected to speak. I’ve been designated to speak on behalf of our conclave, our ensemble." This win occurs at a sensitive time, as Pope Francis remains critically ill following respiratory issues, with Isabella Rossellini, who also stars in the film, taking the stage earlier to wish him well.
Timothée Chalamet created waves by winning the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his transformation as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. The 29-year-old was visibly surprised as his name was called, but he quickly found his composure. "The truth is, this was 5 ½ years of my life," said Chalamet. "I poured everything I had... It was the honor of a lifetime playing him." His passion for the role was evident as he acknowledged his aspirations—"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." This win has positioned him as one of the potential contenders for the Academy Award just one week later.
Other winners also reinforced their Oscar candidacy, with Demi Moore snagging the title of Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor for her role in The Substance. Following her previous Golden Globe win, Moore’s speech reflected on the power of belief, saying, "What we believe is so much more powerful than what we think." Meanwhile, Zoe Saldaña won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her performance in Emilia Pérez.
The comedic performances were not to be outdone, as Kieran Culkin triumphed as Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain. "Believe it or not, this actually means a lot to me," he expressed, humorously noting the award's weight got the best of him during his acceptance speech. Similarly, Jean Smart won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for Hacks, though she was absent from the ceremony yet still made her presence felt through taped messages.
Adding gravitas to the evening, Jane Fonda, aged 87, received the Life Achievement Award. Fonda's poignant remarks highlighted broader social issues, taking aim at political challenges. "We are in our documentary moment," she stated. "This is it. And it’s not a rehearsal." Her activism and dedication to important causes were evident as she urged the audience to care deeply for others.
The SAG Awards kicked off against the painful reality of the wildfires affecting many community members, forcing the guild to establish relief efforts for those impacted. This drove host Kristen Bell to introduce attending firefighters, noting them as "the most attractive tables" among the star-studded audience.
Taking multiple categories, the FX series Shogun was welcomed with acclaim, receiving four awards overall, including Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Stars Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai each captured awards for their performances, showcasing the blend of remarkable talent and compelling storytelling.
Surprisingly, Only Murders in the Building took home the title of Outstanding Performance by Ensemble in Comedy Series, presenting Selena Gomez with the opportunity to reflect humorously on her co-stars' absence during the evening. Such light-hearted moments contrasted with the passionate speeches advocating change and unity.
Reflecting on trends toward the Oscars, analysts note the SAG picks often mirror those of the Academy Awards, as actors constitute the largest voting group. Historically, films winning the SAG award for ensemble have successfully transitioned to Oscars glory, setting up Conclave as a strong contender for Best Picture come Academy Awards night.
While 2025 has presented unpredictable challenges leading to these awards, both Conclave and A Complete Unknown have breathed new life and excitement leading up to the upcoming Academy Awards, renewing the debate around who will take home Hollywood’s highest honors.