Kristen Bell brought her unique blend of humor and nostalgia to the stage as she hosted the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles on February 23. This marked her return to hosting duties for the SAG Awards for the first time since 2018, and she kicked off the event with a delightful and memorable musical performance.
One of the standout moments of the night was Bell's rendition of "Do You Want to Be An Actor," cleverly crafted to the tune of her iconic song from Disney's Frozen, "Do You Want to Build A Snowman?" The audience of A-listers, including stars such as Selena Gomez, Demi Moore, and Harrison Ford, was treated to clips showcasing their very first on-screen acting roles as Bell belted out her parody. "This city and the people in it have been put through the wringer," she noted, acknowledging the recent wildfires ravaging Los Angeles prior to her upbeat performance.
The emotional gravity of the moment was balanced by nostalgia, as attendees saw their early roles represented on the big screen, from Gomez's childhood appearance on Barney to Harrison Ford's breakthrough moments. "I’m Kristen Bell, and I’m sorry Jean," Bell humorously referenced, nodding to the opening skit featuring Jean Smart and the show’s vibrant atmosphere.
While many viewers enjoyed the light-hearted nature of the performance, providing fans with laughs and smiles, the reactions on social media were mixed. One viewer tweeted, "Kristen Bell singing 'Do You Want to be an Actor?' to the tune of 'Do You Want to Build A Snowman?' for her opening monologue is genius!!!" highlighting the cleverness behind the tribute. Yet, others opined, "Not the Frozen parody," expressing fatigue over the long-lasting cultural impact of Bell's Frozen performance.
The SAG Awards aimed to honor the best talent across film and television, with nominees representing the best of the best from 2024. This year, the awards celebrated productions such as Wicked, A Complete Unknown, and shows like Shōgun and The Bear, which received numerous nominations. Viewers tuned in not only as spectators but also as supporters of their favorite actors, eager to see who would take home the accolades.
Alongside the glitz and glamour, the backdrop of recent challenges faced by the city added gravitas to the ceremony. The fires, which began on January 7, forced the guild to cancel the live announcement of the nominations, only issuing them through press release. Bell’s opening comments served as both historical acknowledgement and heartfelt connection to the audience, fostering community and resilience among the attendees.
Kristen Bell’s performance, dressed stylishly in all-white attire, was not only about showcasing actors but also celebrating the shared experiences of the industry. The montage of first roles sparked memories and highlighted the journeys of many actors before they became household names. This kind of engagement is something audiences love, as it blends entertainment with personal history.
While the ceremony was attended by notable figures such as Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who presented Jane Fonda with the Life Achievement Award, it was Bell who effectively warmed up the audience, making them feel both at home and celebrated. Her musical performance, whether liked or criticized, served as the emblem of the night—a joyful acknowledgment of the art of acting.
Despite the mixed reviews of her performance, Bell remained focused on the positive aspects of the event. Rather than delving deep or taking jabs at her colleagues, the tone of her opening monologue was pure joy and respect for the craft of acting. Being nominated herself for her work in Nobody Wants This, she set the mood for the evening aimed at celebrating the art form.
Kristen Bell’s hosting at the 2025 SAG Awards confirmed her place as not only a talented actress but as someone deeply invested and entwined with her peers—both past and present. Her ability to conjure nostalgia through song was met with cheers, laughter, and even some critique. Nevertheless, what stood out was her unwavering spirit of camaraderie and celebration of the artistic community.
The recognition and appreciation shown for one another reflected the pulse of the industry. With each shared laugh and moment of reflection, Bell reminded everyone of the shared path taken through the ups and downs of their respective careers. With the awards concluded, many will look forward to the 2026 ceremony and perhaps how Bell might again enchant the audience with another memorable performance, snowman-related or not.