On February 23, 2025, the 31st annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards took place at the historic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, celebrating the finest talents from both the film and television industries. Hosted by actress Kristen Bell, the prestigious ceremony was streamed live on Netflix, attracting both virtual and physical attendees eager to recognize outstanding performances.
This year, notable contenders included the musical film Wicked and the television series Shōgun, both receiving five nominations for their exceptional contributions. The evening was capped with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to acting legend Jane Fonda, honoring her extensive career and impact on the entertainment industry.
Among the standout winners was Demi Moore, who took home the award for Best Actress for her performance in The Substance. Timothée Chalamet triumphed as Best Actor for his role in A Complete Unknown, showcasing the range and depth of talent honored during the night. Kieran Culkin also made headlines by winning Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, reinforcing his status as one of the industry’s leading performers.
Film winners included:
- Best Actress: Demi Moore for The Substance
- Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain
- Best Ensemble: Cónclave, recognized as the standout film for the evening.
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez.
Television also had strong contenders, with awards distributed as follows:
- Best Performance by a Cast in a Drama Series: Shōgun
- Best Performance by a Cast in a Comedy Series: Only Murders in the Building
- Best Actor in Television Movie or Miniseries: Colin Farrell for The Penguin.
- Best Actress in Television Movie or Miniseries: Jessica Gunning for Baby Reindeer.
- Best Actor and Best Actress awards were also claimed by Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, respectively, for their roles in Shōgun.
The SAG Awards are recognized as one of the key indicators for performance at the upcoming Oscars, making them significant within the awards season calendar. With many of these winners likely to be frontrunners at the Academy Awards, the 2025 ceremony created buzz about the future awards two months away.
Reported by several outlets, the SAG Awards celebrate not only excellence but also serve as advocacy for actors' rights. The Screen Actors Guild is known for its efforts to protect and negotiate fair working conditions, compensation, and benefits for its members. This year’s winners showcased remarkable talent across genres, embodying the diverse skills within both film and television.
Indeed, the SAG Awards remain integral not just for celebrating talent but also for advocating for the rights and responsibilities of actors within the industry. The excitement and recognition reflected during the ceremony signal the upcoming season of awards, with many viewers eagerly anticipating what roles will make headlines next.
For viewers who missed the live broadcast, Netflix has ensured the ceremony is available on demand, allowing fans of the arts to appreciate the performances and the awards bestowed upon this year's commanding talent.
With this year's show not just highlighting outstanding performances but forging connections between winners and audiences alike, the 2025 SAG Awards will be remembered as another emblematic celebration of talent and actors' rights.