Kristen Bell graced the stage of the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards as host, bringing her unique blend of humor and charm to the ceremony held on February 23. While she showcased her comedic talents, viewers might have noticed the absence of her husband, Dax Shepard, raising questions about his whereabouts during this star-studded night.
Bell, who has been married to Shepard since 2013, hinted at his possible non-attendance during previous interviews, saying, "He’s his own man and I support him." She also elaborated on the challenges of childcare, stating, "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 shares two young daughters, Lincoln, 11, and Delta, 9. This reality might have played heavily on Shepard's decision to stay home, reflecting the day-to-day parenting struggles many couples face.
Despite Shepard's absence, Bell didn't let anything dampen her excitement for the evening. This year’s SAG Awards marked her return to the hosting role for the second time, having previously hosted the ceremony back in 2018. Expressing her enthusiasm, she proclaimed, "Thrilled to be hosting the SAG Awards again this year. I’m honored to be asked back and can’t wait to share the evening with my fellow actors, doing what we do best… celebrating ourselves." Bell's return to the hosting stage also came with the added thrill of being nominated for her role as Joanne in the Netflix series, Nobody Wants This, illustrating just how special this night was for her.
Embracing the opportunity, Bell kicked off the night with her opening monologue, which included playful tributes to fellow actors and their less-than-glamorous beginnings. One of the evening's standout moments was Bell's parody of her well-known song from Frozen, titled Do You Want to Be An Actor? During this segment, she engaged the audience with witty lyrics, asking, "Do you wanna be an answer? Just get your foot inside the door. Can you scream a lot on Halloween or be a beauty queen or hug a purple dinosaur?" Her comedic flair brought laughter and resonance within the industry, reminding everyone of the shared dreams and aspirations among actors, regardless of their current status.
Bell's tribute didn't stop there. She acknowledged the dedication of Los Angeles firefighters, dedicators of their time and effort to the community, which made for a heartfelt moment during the ceremony. Noting the juxtaposition of the glitz and glamor of Hollywood against the struggles faced by many, Bell remarked, "This room is full of sparkles and glamor... the most attractive tables, I need to point out, are right over there," as she pointed to the firefighters' table.
This year’s SAG Awards were also significant as they continued to carry out their live-streamed format on Netflix, building on the previous year’s success and reflecting on the changing dynamics of award presentations. Bell's hosting role was not just about entertainment but underscored the importance of recognizing the back-end support system within the industry, involving producers, hair and makeup artists, and gig workers whose livelihoods depend on these high-profile events.
While Bell may not have taken home the trophy for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor for her role, her humorous, relatable approach to hosting the night added depth to the overall experience. She candidly shared her nerves about winning, saying, "I also don’t think I’ll win, which is also fine... it’s kind of my biggest fear to have to make an off-the-cuff, really charming, poignant speech." Her transparency reflected the genuine feelings many face at such events.
Behind the scenes, Bell teased viewers with glimpses of her preparations on social media. A humorous moment captured her decision to wear adult diapers as part of her outfit, jokingly asking, "Do you ever come right back from Mexico and have to go to an award show? Try pull-ups underneath your dress." This lighthearted approach garnered her attention across platforms, showcasing her charismatic personality and relatable nature.
While the night revolved around celebration and camaraderie, Bell also took the opportunity to voice her thoughts on the series of wildfires affecting Los Angeles, which were still fresh on everyone’s minds. "At first, it felt superfluous to have an awards show... then I thought, I know so many people who lost homes... they’re begging for normalcy and funny laughs. I felt like we could give them both," she expressed. This articulation connected the event back to the real-life challenges impacting the community, blending the glitz of Hollywood with the reality of its impacts.
All things considered, the 2025 SAG Awards proved to be both memorable and impactful. Kristen Bell's return to the hosting role added charm and humor, making everything from poignant tributes to funny parodies feel seamless. The night undoubtedly celebrated the artistry of acting, bolstered by the camaraderie of many who discovered their passion for performing long ago and now enjoy the fruits of their labor, even if they had to start sometimes on less-than-glamorous stages. Despite the absence of Dax Shepard, Bell's performance stood out, making it another successful night for Hollywood's elite.