The 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards were held on February 24, showcasing the brightest talents from the film and television industries. The ceremony, which took place at downtown Los Angeles and was streamed live on Netflix, culminated with the papal drama Conclave taking home the top film award, significantly boosting its odds just days before the Academy Awards on March 2.
The ceremony marked a gathering of Hollywood's elite, highlighted by the cast of Conclave, including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, who collectively won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Fiennes accepted the award on behalf of the ensemble and stressed the need for community during his speech. "We do recognise the supreme importance of (community) in our work and in the world," he said, emphasizing the significance of camaraderie among filmmakers.
The award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in Leading Role went to Timothée Chalamet for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. This win was particularly unexpected as Adrien Brody was previously seen as the frontrunner for his role as an architect and immigrant in The Brutalist. Chalamet, reflecting on his win, stated, "The truth is, I'm really in pursuit of greatness. I want to be one of the greats," showcasing his ambition and dedication to his craft.
Meanwhile, Demi Moore received the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in Leading Role for her compelling performance as a fading celebrity seeking renewal in The Substance. Moore recalled the transformative moment she received her SAG union card at the young age of 15, saying, "It changed my life because it gave me meaning, it gave me purpose and it gave me direction." Her heartfelt acknowledgment of the SAG community added emotional weight to the night.
Also recognized were Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña, who won Outstanding Performance by Male and Female Actor in Supporting Roles, respectively. Culkin was awarded for his role in A Real Pain and Saldaña for Emilia Pérez. Both performances were celebrated, adding to the diverse array of talent recognized during the event.
The television categories did not disappoint either, as the ensemble cast of FX's Shogun, depicting the political machinations of imperial Japan, was named Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series. Conversely, Only Murders in the Building, starring Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin, snatched the award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Gomez humorously acknowledged the moment, stating, "Wait, we never win. This is so weird," which drew laughter from the audience.
Further underscoring the ceremony's connection to real-world affairs, Italian actress Isabella Rossellini expressed concern for Pope Francis, who remained hospitalized due to double pneumonia. Following the win for Conclave, she remarked, "We are very, very worried for our Pope. We love this Pope," juxtaposing the evening’s celebratory tone with heartfelt compassion for the pontiff's well-being.
Adding to the night’s accolades, Australian acting legend Jane Fonda was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. During her acceptance speech, Fonda spoke passionately about the power of empathy within the acting profession, asserting, "Empathy is not weak or woke, and by the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people." Her words encapsulated the unifying spirit of the industry, encouraging actors to draw on their human experience.
The 2025 SAG Awards will certainly be remembered as one of transparency and heartfelt tributes. With Conclave being positioned as a strong contender at the impending Academy Awards, viewers eagerly anticipate how the narratives of these talented actors will evolve as they step toward Oscar glory.