The 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards, held on February 25 at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, celebrated remarkable performances from the past year, showcasing both emotional acceptance speeches and political statements from some of Hollywood's most prominent figures.
This year's standout moment came from none other than Jane Fonda, who received the SAG Life Achievement Award. Known for her impactful activism and acting career spanning more than six decades, Fonda took the stage, instantly captivating the audience with her energetic presence. "We are in our documentary moment. This is it. And it’s not a rehearsal," she declared, invoking the gravity of the current political climate without directly mentioning any specific figures. Her speech emphasized the importance of empathy, urging her fellow actors to channel their talents toward fostering connection and inclusivity.
Timothée Chalamet also made headlines with his unexpected win for Best Actor for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. Speaking to the audience, he expressed the emotional weight of the role: "The truth is, this was 5 ½ years of my life. I poured everything I had..." His victory surprised many, considering the pre-awards buzz surrounding the expected frontrunner, Adrien Brody.
The awards evening saw other notable winners as well. Demi Moore took home the Best Actress award for her role in The Substance, with Zoe Saldaña winning Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez. Kieran Culkin claimed the Best Supporting Actor award, and Ralph Fiennes accepted the award for Best Ensemble for Conclave, humorously noting, "Wow, I’ve not been elected to speak. I’ve been designated to speak on behalf of our conclave, our ensemble." This displayed the camaraderie felt among the cast, especially amid the production's real-world backdrop of recent events concerning the Catholic Church.
The SAG Awards not only spotlighted individual talent but also reflected the emotional atmosphere accompanying the Hollywood community's response to societal issues. Fonda’s call for empathy struck a chord, particularly as her legacy intertwines with moments of social change, like the Civil Rights Movement and the protests against the Vietnam War.
The evening was not solely about awards; it was also marked by fashion and beauty trends, with many stars sporting bold red lips and elegant hairstyles reminiscent of old Hollywood glam. Ayo Edebiri even channeled classic Cher, showcasing the evening's celebration of all facets of creativity.
All eyes are now on the upcoming Academy Awards, where winners from the SAG ceremony often align closely with Oscar victors. With the Best Picture race wide open, and predictions swirling, the SAG Awards served as both a celebration and a prelude to the industry’s biggest night.
The stage was set not just for celebrating achievements but for fostering discussions around the preparation needed to face the current cultural and political climate. Fonda's uncompromising viewpoint, coupled with Chalamet's emotional portrayal of Dylan, presents multiple layers of artistry and activism, urging fellow artists to keep pushing boundaries and encouraging those who watch to embrace empathy. The night, filled with surprising wins and emotional connections, set the tone for what viewers might expect in the lead-up to the Oscars — excitement, unpredictability, and calls for vulnerability.