The 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards: A Night of Surprises and Triumphs

The 31st Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, held on Sunday night, delivered a series of unexpected twists and heartfelt moments, shaking up the Oscar race and celebrating outstanding performances in film and television. The evening’s top prize went to Conclave, a gripping papal thriller that edged out Anora, a film that had been dominating earlier guild ceremonies. This win not only solidified Conclave’s place as a strong contender for the Oscars but also highlighted the unpredictability of this year’s awards season.

A Shifting Oscar Landscape

The SAG Awards have long been a bellwether for Oscar success, with the last three winners of the Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture category—Oppenheimer, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and CODA—all going on to claim Best Picture at the Academy Awards. While Conclave has only one other major best-picture win under its belt (from the BAFTAs), its SAG victory suggests that the Oscar race is far from over. Anora, which had been sweeping earlier guild awards, now faces stiff competition as the industry gears up for the Oscars on March 2.

Timothée Chalamet’s Breakthrough Win

The lead-actor category also saw an upset, with Timothée Chalamet taking home the award for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. Chalamet, who had been overlooked earlier in the awards season, delivered an emotional acceptance speech, expressing his ambition to join the ranks of the acting greats. “I’m really in pursuit of greatness,” he said. “I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats.” His win marks a turning point in his career and positions him as a strong contender for the Oscars, following a trend where SAG winners often repeat their success at the Academy Awards.

A Competitive Best-Actress Race

The best-actress category remains one of the most competitive this season, with The Substance star Demi Moore and Anora actress Mikey Madison trading wins at various industry ceremonies. Moore emerged victorious at the SAG Awards, delivering a moving speech dedicated to “that little girl who didn’t believe in herself.” Her emotional remarks resonated deeply with the audience, as she struggled to find words to express her gratitude. Meanwhile, Fernanda Torres, who won the Golden Globe for I’m Still Here but was not nominated at the SAG Awards, has gained late momentum with Oscar voters, adding another layer of unpredictability to the race.

Supporting Roles Steal the Spotlight

In the supporting categories, Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) and Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) continued their sweep of the season, solidifying their status as frontrunners for the Oscars. Culkin, known for his wit, took a lighthearted approach to his acceptance speech, joking about the weight of the SAG statuette and the self-seriousness of actors. “It’s hard to be sincere here. Or in general,” he quipped. Despite his playful tone, Culkin emphasized the significance of the award, saying, “Believe it or not, this actually means a lot to me.”

A Night of Legacy and Advocacy

The evening also celebrated legendary actress Jane Fonda, who received the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award. In her powerful acceptance speech, Fonda used the platform to call attention to pressing social issues, urging the audience to stay vigilant and engaged. “This is it, and it’s not a rehearsal,” the 87-year-old actress declared. “And we mustn’t for a moment kid ourselves about what’s happening.” Her words served as a rallying cry, reminding the room of the Responsibility that comes with their influence.

Complete List of SAG Winners

Film:

• Outstanding Cast: Conclave
• Actor in a Lead Role: Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown
• Actress in a Lead Role: Demi Moore, The Substance
• Actor in a Supporting Role: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
• Actress in a Supporting Role: Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez
• Stunt Ensemble in a Movie: The Fall Guy

Television:

• Ensemble in a Drama Series: Shogun
• Ensemble in a Comedy Series: Only Murders in the Building
• Actor in a Drama Series: Hiroyuki Sanada, Shogun
• Actress in a Drama Series: Anna Sawai, Shogun
• Actor in a Comedy Series: Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building
• Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart, Hacks
• Actor in a TV Movie or Limited Series: Colin Farrell, The Penguin