Hollywood rolled out the red carpet last night as the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The ceremony celebrated the best performances across film and television, with nominees ranging from seasoned A-listers to breakout stars.
This year’s host was none other than Kristen Bell, returning for her second consecutive time to lead the night’s festivities. With the awards recognizing both individual and ensemble efforts, the environment was buzzing with excitement as actors awaited the results of the coveted SAG Awards.
The star-studded event brought together some of the biggest names from contemporary cinema and television, including Timothée Chalamet, Zoe Saldaña, Demi Moore, and Ariana Grande. Each corner of the auditorium witnessed stunning outfits—from glamorous gowns to sharply pressed tuxedos, making it clear the SAG Awards is among the most anticipated events on the awards circuit.
This year, the standout film was Conclave, which won the prestigious award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast. This award marks the film’s consecutive triumph after its recent win at the BAFTAS, solidifying its place as a favorite. The ensemble, including the likes of Ralph Fiennes, received accolades for their collective efforts, highlighting teamwork as well as individual talent.
The competition was fierce for the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, where Timothée Chalamet stole the spotlight with his performance as singer Bob Dylan in the biopic A Complete Unknown. Chalamet’s win came as somewhat of a surprise, overcoming tough contenders such as Adrien Brody from The Brutalist.
Demi Moore emerged victorious as well, winning Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor for her role in the body horror film The Substance. Her success was particularly noteworthy as she led many nominations this awards season, positioning now as a strong contender heading to the Oscars.
Adding to the list of notable achievements, Zoe Saldaña won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her performance in Emilia Pérez, marking another chapter of accolades for Saldaña this season.
The night wasn’t without its dramatic upsets, especially concerning the Best Actress category. Many had expected the fight to be between Demi Moore and Mikey Madison, who received the highest recognition for her role in Anora. Although Madison lost the SAG Award, her previous win at the BAFTAS kept her firmly on the radar.
A highlight of the event was Jane Fonda receiving this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Celebrated for her wide-ranging contributions to the film industry, Fonda's recognition was met with warm applause from peers and fans alike.
Alongside these stellar winners, the event was marked by many memorable performances. Notable mentions went to Kieran Culkin for his role in A Real Pain and Jessica Gunning, the recipient of the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series award for Baby Reindeer. Gunning's performance added to her filmography, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
While the SAG Awards are famous for their recognition of both individual and ensemble performances, they shine brightly as one of the last major contests before the Oscars. With the Academy Awards set to take place on March 2nd, the buzz surrounding this year’s winners continues to be electric.
With the ceremony's approval and recognition for various genres, productions, and acting styles, the SAG Awards serve as timely reminders of the commitment and craftsmanship required within the entertainment industry. Actors celebrating actors, the event is unique, distinctive, and absolutely thrilling.
Amongst its glitz and glam, the annual SAG Awards maintain their reputation for highlighting the range of qualities, perspectives, and impacts the storytelling industry offers to the world. And as the attendees walked the iconic red carpet, they not only left behind snapshots of the evening but also paved the way for future recognition of the exceptional talent gracing both Hollywood and beyond.
The ceremony inherently encapsulates the essence of filmmaking and acting, intertwining talent, passion, and creativity, ensuring these stories can captivate audiences around the globe.