At the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards held on February 23, actress Kristen Bell took center stage, delighting the audience with both nostalgia and humor as the event's host. The ceremony, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, witnessed Bell channeling her signature Frozen charm as she kicked off the night with a parody song titled "Do You Want to Be an Actor?" This catchy tune was a light-hearted homage to the various nominees, showcasing their early careers and evoking fond memories of their first roles.
Throughout the evening, Bell's comedic skills shone as she brought back beloved bits from her past projects. A highlight of the show was her reunion with former co-star Jason Segel, where they exchanged witty banter during one of the ceremonial skits. Observant fans also spotted Hallmark actor Torrance Coombs playing the role of bartender, which turned out to be well-received after his unannounced cameo. Coombs, who humorously remarked on social media about his cameo saying, "At last my big break has arrived!", managed to turn heads not just for his role, but also for being noted as a real bartender during his downtime between acting gigs.
Bell's Frozen parody was not just mere entertainment but also served as a clever narrative device, allowing her to name-drop nominees like Timothée Chalamet, Colin Farrell, and Selena Gomez, with all of them humorously highlighted by their early roles on the big screen. Chalamet, who went on to win Best Male Actor for his performance in A Complete Unknown, made history as the youngest winner of this category, adding extra excitement to the night.
During the festivities, Bell also revived her iconic role as the voice of Gossip Girl alongside Leighton Meester. The nostalgic reunion was lapel-licking as the duo playfully dished out so-called gossip about the stars at the event. "Leighton, none of this is gossip; it’s just all about food," Bell quipped humorously, showing how the two friends shared not just memories from their smash hit series, but also the fun little anecdotes about the event's culinary offerings.
The night became richer with humor and heartfelt moments as actress Jane Fonda received the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award. Known for her fierce activism, her acceptance speech was as trailblazing as her career, delivering powerful messages on union solidarity and the importance of community during challenging political times. “We are going to need a big tent to resist successfully what’s coming at us,” she urged, reminding everyone about the collective strength required to navigate the politically charged atmosphere of today.
Another comedic highlight emerged when Ted Danson and William Jackson Harper playfully argued over who was Bell’s favorite co-star. This humorous dynamic injected additional laughter throughout the award ceremony, with Bell jokingly attempting to mediate, "This is not a challenge," to which both men responded, smirking, "Yes, it is" as they leaned in, creating yet another comedic moment for audiences to enjoy.
Overall, the 2025 SAG Awards encapsulated more than just celebrations of cinematic achievements; they were moments of reunions, laughter, and shared nostalgia among the stars. From Bell’s whimsical musical numbers to the heartfelt speeches, the night succeeded in bringing Hollywood's talented figures together for heartfelt celebrations filled with joy and camaraderie. Bell's ability to balance laughter with poignant moments exemplified the true spirit of entertainment, leaving all attendees and viewers eagerly waiting for the next SAG Awards, especially following such delightful, funny, and touching memories.