The 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards took place on February 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, celebrating notable achievements from both film and television throughout the past year. Hosted by Kristen Bell, the ceremony featured actors and actresses receiving awards based on the votes of over 130,000 SAG-AFTRA members. This year's awards marked another exciting installment for actors as they honored their peers on stage.
Ariana Grande made waves with her stunning appearance, channeling her character Glinda from the blockbuster musical Wicked. The 31-year-old singer donned a cream-hued floral gown embellished with flowers adorning the corset and extending to the skirt. Grande complemented her look with delicate diamond jewelry, ensuring all eyes were on her as she represented one of the night’s most celebrated films.
About to hit another significant milestone, Millie Bobby Brown celebrated her 21st birthday just days before the event. She arrived with her husband Jake Bongiovi, mothering the moment in her peach-hued silky gown. Brown pulled off the off-the-shoulder, draped neckline look seamlessly.
Selena Gomez, also gracing the red carpet, chose to highlight her figure with a stylish off-the-shoulder black gown, which featured a shimmering side slit. Gomez's ensemble was paired with bold red lipstick and diamond accents, making her stand out among several other celebrities.
Other notable stars included Elle Fanning, who donned a slick black peplum gown paired with strong crimson lipstick, aligning itself elegantly with her diamond accessories.
The awards ceremony kicked off with Deborah Vance (played by Jean Smart) from the series Hacks, preparing to take on hosting duties. Unfortunately for Smart, comedic moments of self-deprecation were marred by her character's hilarious predicament: she learned she had been fired due to unpaid SAG dues. Kristen Bell then stepped up to guide the show as host for the evening.
Culkin won the award for Male Actor in a Supporting Role, and he hilariously confessed to the audience, “Thank you SAG-AFTRA for this very heavy award,” before quickly putting it down as he humorously referenced the time restraint for acceptance speeches. His remarks illustrated the blend of humor and genuine appreciation for his peers.
Another emotional standout was Anna Sawai, who accepted her award for Female Actor in a Drama Series. Her heartfelt moment included tears as she reflected on the camaraderie shared with her fellow cast members who had achieved success throughout the awards season.
Among the lighter moments, Kristen Bell led the audience through her opening monologue, which included parodies of popular songs from Frozen, sending out one distinct message to the actors: "Do you want to be actors?" The combination of comedic storytelling and catchy lyrics kept viewers entertained during the show.
Casting attention on achievements, Zoe Saldana won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the Netflix film Emilia Pérez. Saldana used her platform to advocate for union rights and highlight the importance of stories told through the lens of authenticity and diversity.
The ceremony also honored Jane Fonda with the SAG Life Achievement Award, recognizing her six-decade-long career and extensive activism. Introduced by fellow actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Fonda’s remarks emphasized empathy and the shared responsibility of actors to reflect society’s concerns through their work. "What we, actors, create is empathy. Our job is to understand another human being so deeply..." she stated.
The SAG Awards continue to capture significant moments for actresses and actors across multiple mediums. With categories spanning from ensemble casts to outstanding performances by actors, the competition proved fierce. A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet, took the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast, signaling strong Oscar contention looming ahead.
For fashion enthusiasts, the red carpet arrived with mixed reviews. While celebrities like Demi Moore radiated elegance, others experienced scrutiny. For example, Danielle Deadwyler's red Louis Vuitton gown faced critiques from fashion critics and fans alike, with several social media users drawing humorous comparisons.
The event also allowed for emotional exchanges on stage; noted comedian and actor Jamie Lee Curtis provided one of the standout moments of the evening with her uninhibited speech on personal sacrifices made by performers pursuing their dreams.
Despite the glitz and glamour, the show was not without controversy. Timothée Chalamet's bold outfit choices sparked debate among fans, many of whom enjoyed his homage to Bob Dylan, whereas others critiqued it as confusing. Regardless, Chalamet's nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor only amplified his prominence within the industry.
To conclude, the SAG Awards continue to be both recognition and celebration of accomplishment among actors and actresses of all backgrounds. The depth of talent showcased proves the value placed on artistic expression and solidarity within the industry. From heartfelt speeches to networking and reconnecting with longtime co-stars, the 31st SAG Awards were not just about accolades but also memories and storytelling.