Kristen Bell brought her signature charm to the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, hosted on February 23 at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles. Known for her roles in films and television alike, Bell opened the evening’s festivities with warmth and humor, celebrating the best performances from the past year.
Dressed to impress, Bell opted for a stunning dress from Armani Privé's spring 2025 couture collection. The strapless gown featured a modern tiered skirt embellished with elaborate beadwork capturing hues of blue, green, and purple. With her hair styled in natural waves and makeup highlighting her classic features, her fashion statement was complete.
The actress and host didn't just bring glamour to the event; she also infused the room with heartfelt nostalgia. Bell began her opening monologue with a touching tribute to the dreams shared by everyone present, from well-known actors to backstage crew members. "I just want to say everyone in this room, and I do mean everyone... Everyone started out as a kid in 'Somewhere, Earth,' going to bed and waking up every morning thinking, 'It’s going to be me,'" she expressed, referencing the shared start of every actor's career.
Followed by fitting humor, Bell quipped, “So yes, Justin Timberlake owes us all a piece of [the song]. Look for my email petition,” before launching her special rendition of the beloved song, "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" from her role as Anna in Frozen. She cleverly adapted the lyrics to pose the question, "Do you wanna be an actor? Just get your foot inside the door..." which elicited laughter and applause from the audience.
Throughout the night, Bell encouraged the audience to reflect on their career journeys, displaying throwback images of notable actors like Timothée Chalamet, Harrison Ford, and Selena Gomez during their early roles. This engaging montage not only showcased the progress of their careers but also highlighted the universal aspiration shared by all who enter the acting profession.
While Bell was celebrated for her hosting duties and vocal talents, the night also marked the presence of other formidable talents recognized for their outstanding work. Leading the nominations were Shōgun and Wicked, each receiving five nods. Jane Fonda was honored with the prestigious Life Achievement Award, underscoring the evening's theme of recognition and celebration.
Despite the overwhelming joy of the evening, the absence of Bell’s husband, Dax Shepard, was felt. Bell shared insight about their family dynamics, jokingly stating, "He’s his own man and I support him. I don’t know if he’ll even come because to be honest, we don’t have very many babysitters who are ever available and he has to watch the children." The couple, married for over ten years, manages life with their two daughters, Lincoln and Delta.
The awards may have been glitzy and glamorous, but Bell took time to acknowledge real-life heroes. She expressed her gratitude to the Los Angeles firefighters for their tireless work combating wildfires, which recently affected the community. This heartfelt moment served as a reminder of the human spirit amid the celebratory atmosphere.
The event was especially significant for Bell, marking her second time hosting the SAG Awards. She had previously made history as the first-ever host of the SAG Awards back in 2018. This year, she was also up for the award of Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Nobody Wants This, though she narrowly missed out to Jean Smart of Hacks.
Once again, viewers were reminded of the shared experiences and dreams within the entertainment industry, making the SAG Awards more than just a night of celebration, but also one of reflection and community. The show, streamed live on Netflix, offered audiences not only the glamour of Hollywood but also the heartfelt stories behind the faces they see on screen.
Overall, the 2025 SAG Awards proved to be yet another memorable night for the entertainment industry, with Kristen Bell’s delightful hosting and personal touches ensuring it would be cherished by all involved.