The stars of Hollywood gathered for the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards, and many had roots firmly planted in the iconic Law & Order franchise. The event celebrated not only the achievements of the year but also the legacy of the series which has introduced numerous talents to the world of acting.
One standout moment of the evening was the poignant video montage presented by long-time Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star Mariska Hargitay. She launched the segment by echoing the show's famed opening lines, celebrating the many actors who began their careers with guest roles across the franchise. Hargitay stated, "These are their stories," reminding everyone of the impressive roster of talent nurtured by the franchise.
Among the night’s big winners was Timothée Chalamet, who took home the award for Best Actor. Chalamet, now celebrated for his Hollywood success, made his television acting debut back in 2009 with Law & Order, portraying a character whose fate intertwined with the episode's gripping plot. This role undoubtedly foreshadowed his remarkable career.
Equally captivating was Keke Palmer, the Emmy-winning host of Password, who once appeared on Law & Order: SVU. Sharing the stage with Colman Domingo during the ceremony, they humorously invited attendees to raise their drinks if they had ever guest-starred on the series. Almost everyone complied, showcasing the far-reaching influence of Law & Order within Hollywood.
Other notable attendees with connections to the franchise included Bradley Cooper, who played a shady lawyer during the gripping crossover episode with Law & Order: Trial By Jury. Cooper's undeniable talent and charisma, even back then, paved the way for his stellar career.
Many attendees were not only recognized for their current successes but also acknowledged their humble beginnings with the series. Zoe Saldaña, for example, had captivated audiences over two decades ago with her guest appearance on Law & Order: SVU, proving the franchise's stature as a launchpad for bright futures.
Leighton Meester and Jeremy Allen White also reflected similar aspirations; Meester landed one of her first television gigs on Law & Order, and White, who gained fame from his role on Shameless, had his breakout moments through multiple appearances on the franchise from 2007 to 2010, playing three distinct characters.
Also recognized was Liza Colón-Zayas, who holds the unique title of having portrayed five different characters across the Law & Order series, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Interestingly, many stars from the hit series The Bear were also present, indicating the show's pervasive impact on current television stars.
Alongside these highlights were the memories sparked for fans of the franchise, as familiar faces took center stage. Elle Fanning's role as a child survivor during her episode was fondly recalled by many, and Tyler James Williams highlighted the expansion of his career through SVU.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach also reminded everyone of his contributions to the franchise, having played multiple characters across various Law & Order iterations. Each actor's history with the show intermingled with their current successes, embodying the collective spirit of the evening.
The 2025 SAG Awards became not just about recognizing current achievements but also about celebrating the past and the shared journeys of these talented individuals. Each speech and moment recalled reflected the impact Law & Order has had on their careers and the legacy of storytelling it has created.
The night drew to a close with the recognition of not only individual talents but also the community of actors who have been shaped by their experiences within the franchise. The SAG Awards underscored the remarkable evolution of the entertainment industry, with Law & Order proving to be more than just a show; it has become a cultural phenomenon.