Screen Actors Guild Awards Bring Surprises and Momentum to Oscar Race

Image credits: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

The 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards brought several surprises and momentum shifts to the Oscar race, with Conclave winning the top prize of best ensemble cast and Timothée Chalamet taking home the best actor award. The ceremony, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and streamed live by Netflix, saw Conclave triumph over other favorites, including Anora, which had won several guild awards prior to the SAGs. This win, combined with Conclave's recent BAFTA victory, has made the best picture race at the upcoming Academy Awards even more unpredictable.

Zoe Saldana continued her dominance in the supporting actress category, winning the SAG Award for her performance in Emilia Pérez. Her win, following victories at the Golden Globes, Critics' Choice, and BAFTAs, solidifies her position as the frontrunner for the Academy Award for best supporting actress. Saldana's speech emphasized the importance of being part of a union that protects and allows her to be who she is, and she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to tell stories that are thought-provoking and beautiful. The Screen Actors Guild Awards are closely watched as an indicator of Oscar success, with many past winners going on to claim Academy Awards.

The SAG Awards also saw wins for Demi Moore, who took home the best actress award for her performance in The Substance, and Kieran Culkin, who won best supporting actor for A Real Pain. Moore's win adds another twist to the tight best actress race, which is seen as a dead heat between her and Mikey Madison. Culkin's acceptance speech was characteristically humorous, as he thanked the sister of his director, Jesse Eisenberg, for suggesting him for the role. The ceremony was marked by several heartfelt speeches, including one from Jane Fonda, who received the guild's Life Achievement Award and spoke passionately about the importance of community and the need for actors to tell stories that inspire and provoke.

The night's winners included a mix of established stars and newcomers, with British actors such as Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Gunning also taking home awards. Fiennes accepted the best ensemble award on behalf of the Conclave cast, thanking director Edward Berger for his "perception, insight, and care." Gunning won for her performance in Baby Reindeer and expressed her gratitude for being part of a community that allows her to pursue her dreams. The awards season has been marked by several surprises, with different films and actors winning at various guild and critic awards, making the upcoming Oscars even more unpredictable.

Other notable winners included Colin Farrell, who won best actor in a limited series for The Penguin, and Shogun, which swept the TV drama categories. The ceremony was hosted by Kristen Bell, who introduced attending firefighters as "the most attractive tables" among a sea of stars. The event was also marked by several references to current events, including the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and the health of Pope Francis, who was mentioned by several winners, including Isabella Rossellini and Ralph Fiennes. As the Academy Awards approach, the SAG Awards have added another layer of excitement and unpredictability to the race, with several films and actors now in contention for the top prizes.