Martin Short, celebrated for his comedic genius, took home two unexpected honors at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards last month, winning both best actor in a comedy series and best ensemble for his role in Only Murders in the Building. The ceremonies, taking place in February 2025, were marked by a wave of celebrity infections from COVID-19, significantly affecting the attendees.
Prior to the awards, Short unfortunately contracted the virus at the SNL 50 anniversary special just days before the big night. He was not alone in this predicament; other notable figures like Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Colin Jost, Amy Schumer, Meryl Streep, and Mike Myers also caught COVID during the star-studded event. Reflecting on his absence from the SAG Awards, Short shared his experience during a recent appearance on Amy Poehler's new podcast, Good Hang with Amy Poehler.
"I never win! I wasn’t even watching, I was watching The Brutalist," Short recounted, humorously noting that viewers had to convince him to tune in just as the nominees were announced. "Then someone said turn it on and I was stunned!" This sentiment echoed the feelings of Selena Gomez, who accepted the award for best ensemble and later expressed, "We always lose," a comment that resonated with Short’s long history with awards shows.
In a light-hearted moment, Short jokingly attributed his win to being "beloved." He stated, "I guess I’m beloved. I’ve become this stupid icon," reflecting on how he never anticipated receiving such accolades for his work on the show. Despite prior nominations, this was his first win, making it all the more poignant.
Short's victory in the comedy actor category was no small feat, as he bested a competitive lineup that included actors like Adam Brody, Ted Danson, Harrison Ford, and Jeremy Allen White. The moment was made sweeter as Selena Gomez accepted the award on behalf of the ensemble with a genuinely surprised expression, an image that quickly became a highlight of the evening.
Talking with Poehler, Short also commented on the tension that can come with attending award ceremonies. "It would have been thrilling to be there but I do find that stuff [stressful]," he admitted, poking fun at the pressures of public speaking during awards shows. He humorously noted how one must navigate the balance of not wanting to forget names or be perceived as unprepared. He joked about what he might do next time he finds himself at the podium: "I saw Timothée Chalamet just speak. What I'm going to do next time if I ever win again is I'm going to get up there and lower the mic so that I can lean down to it like he did. It’s a power move."
Currently, Short is engaged in filming the fifth season of Only Murders in the Building. The ongoing production of the critically acclaimed series intensifies the excitement for what’s next for the beloved character he portrays. Fans and colleagues alike are eager to see how the story progresses and what comedic twists may unfold in the upcoming episodes.
As Short gears up to return to the small screen, his recent SAG wins serve as a testament to his enduring popularity and talent. This achievement becomes even more meaningful given his struggles with health just before the ceremony, reminding fans and followers that triumph can come even in the face of adversity.
With his unique blend of humor and candor, Short continues to endear himself to audiences, and his recent accolades only affirm that his quirky and comedic performances resonate well with viewers and peers alike. As the entertainment industry navigates the complexities of award seasons, Short's light-hearted approach and genuine surprises remind us that sometimes it’s the unexpected moments that bring the brightest smiles.
