The 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards took place on February 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles, where Timothée Chalamet and Demi Moore claimed top acting honors for their performances. Chalamet won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor for his role as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, emphasizing the significant effort behind his role. He stated, "Thank you. I was not expecting this at all, truly," grateful for the recognition after what he called "five and half years of my life" dedicated to the portrayal.
Demi Moore received Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor for her role as a fading celebrity seeking eternal youth in The Substance. Moore's speech was nostalgic as she recalled what it meant to obtain her SAG union card at just 15 years old, saying, "It changed my life because it gave me meaning, it gave me purpose and it gave me direction." Basking in emotional acceptance, she reflected on the transformative power of acting.
The ensemble cast of Conclave, which includes Ralph Fiennes, won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The film, which dramatizes the secretive process behind the selection of a fictional pope, was recognized for its stellar performances by the ensemble. Fiennes, accepting the award, expressed, "We do recognize the supreme importance of (community) in our work and in the world." This moment stood out, especially as the real-life Pope Francis remained hospitalized, with Italian actress Isabella Rossellini expressing concern by saying, "We are very, very worried for our pope."
This event is considered to be critically important as it sets the stage for the Academy Awards, with many seeing Conclave as a strong contender for the Best Picture award, especially after its success at the British BAFTA awards.
The night also ushered accolades for Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldana, who won for Outstanding Performance by Male and Female Actor in Supporting Roles, respectively, showcasing similar trends of strong performances recognized across the board.
Chalamet's victory over prominent nominees like Adrien Brody, who had been favored due to previous awards, stirred conversation about the competitive nature of this season's awards, pointing to the unpredictability as actors make up the largest voting body for Academy Award honors. "I’m really in pursuit of greatness. I want to be one of the greats," Chalamet remarked, channeling his aspirations and those who inspire him.
Television awards were also prominent, with Shōgun taking home accolades, including Outstanding Performance by Ensemble in Drama, continuing its successful run from previous award shows, and adding to the mixed field of winners demonstrating the strength of performances on the small screen.
Kristen Bell, the night’s host, lightened the mood with her opening monologue and musical performance parodying her well-known role, acknowledging the path many actors take before hitting it big. "I just want to say everyone in this room, and I do mean everyone... started out as a kid... going to bed and waking up every morning thinking it’s gonna be me," she said, spotlighting the dreams driving actors and the industry.
The ceremony occurred against the backdrop of recent tragic wildfires affecting Los Angeles, with Bell paying tribute to the Los Angeles Fire Department, ensuring their presence was felt during such difficult times. "The city and the people in it have been put through the wringer," she acknowledged, highlighting the importance of community.
Closing, the SAG Awards 2025 offered not just recognition for outstanding talent but served as a reminder of the collaborative spirit of actors, their ambitions, and the shared experiences driving them toward their goals. With the Oscars just around the corner, this gathering allowed actors to celebrate each other's work and set their eyes on the next challenge.