LOS ANGELES (AP) — The 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards illuminated the finest talents across film and television on February 23, 2025, held at the prestigious Shrine Auditorium. Celebrated not only for their glamour but also as potential harbingers of Oscars success, the SAG Awards are pivotal during awards season.
This year’s big winners reflected a diverse array of performances and ensembles, marking their places within the industry. With the ceremony livestreamed on Netflix, it provided fans around the globe with real-time updates as the evening unfolded.
Among the top honors, Demi Moore garnered acclaim for her stellar performance, winning the award for Best Female Actor in a Leading Role for her role in "The Substance." Timothée Chalamet followed suit, taking home the accolade for Best Male Actor in a Leading Role for his work in "A Complete Unknown." Both performances were celebrated for their emotional depth and complexity.
Other notable wins included Zoe Saldaña, who captured the award for Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her role in "Emilia Pérez." Kieran Culkin was recognized as Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in "A Real Pain," continuing to showcase his talent beyond earlier successes.
Turning to the ensemble categories, the Stunt Ensemble award for action performances was claimed by "The Fall Guy," showcasing the extraordinary collaboration required behind the scenes to bring high-octane moments to life.
The television categories proved just as thrilling. The drama series "Shōgun" took home the award for Best Drama Ensemble, with its stars Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai being honored for their individual performances. Sanada won the award for Best Male Actor in a Drama Series, and Sawai secured the prize for Best Female Actor, solidifying the series' impact this award season.
"Shōgun’s success reflects the hard work and dedication of our cast and crew," Sanada mentioned after his win, demonstrating the pride and emotion felt among his peers after their triumph.
On the comedy front, the favorite "Only Murders in the Building" claimed the award for Best Comedy Ensemble, with Martin Short recognized as Best Male Actor in a Comedy Series, adding another accolade to his esteemed career. Jean Smart won Best Female Actor in Comedy for "Hacks," confirming her talent resonates widely across the genre.
Meanwhile, the limited series categories had their champions as well, with Colin Farrell winning Best Male Actor for his work in "The Penguin," and Jessica Gunning taking home the award for Best Female Actor for “Baby Reindeer.” Both performances were praised for their engaging portrayals.
Should fans be wondering about the closer ties between the SAG Awards and the Oscars, it’s worth noting how Screen Actors Guild members constitute the largest voting block within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. With this, the SAG Awards often serve as an influential indicator of which performances may resonate with Oscar voters.
Potential Oscar contenders are already shaping the conversation, especially when considering the highly nominated film "Wicked." The competition is heating up for Best Motion Picture Ensemble, alongside challengers like "Anora" and "Conclave," with insiders anticipating possible upsets based on the night’s outcomes.
Kristen Bell, host for the evening, provided humor throughout the events and mentioned her nerves about potentially accepting awards herself this season. She light-heartedly remarked, “Well, my game plan is to take a beta-blocker for the whole night, and that's going to help a lot.” During her hosting duties, Bell captured both laughter and shared the chill of award season anxiety.
Also worthy of note this year was the recognition of Jane Fonda, who received the SAG Life Achievement Award, celebrating her long-standing contributions to the industry. Her career, marked by passion and advocacy, was highlighted during the ceremony as actors applauded her commitment not only to performance but also humanitarian efforts.
The SAG Awards serve as both celebration and anticipate the future, enabling nominees and winners alike to pause and reflect on their achievements. This year, the awards were defined not just by individual performances but by the collective energy of the nominees, who celebrated their craft and its evolution. It’s evident, with nominations including powerhouses and breakout stars alike, the future of acting is poised for exciting developments.
With the conclusion of the 31st SAG Awards, fans and industry members alike are left to ponder what the Oscars will reveal. The suspense builds, and as the winners leave the stage, the real question remains—who will go home with the coveted golden statue? Only time will tell.