The 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, held on Sunday, was a night full of surprises and unexpected twists. The papal thriller “Conclave” took home the top prize for best ensemble, while Timothee Chalamet won best actor for his role in “A Complete Unknown.” These wins added a few final wrinkles to an already unpredictable awards season.
The guild’s top award went to Edward Berger’s Vatican-set drama, just as the Catholic Church was praying for the health of Pope Francis, who remained in critical condition after an asthmatic respiratory crisis. “Conclave” tells the story of a fictional papal election, and its win was a timely and poignant reminder of the power of storytelling.
Earlier in the evening, Isabella Rossellini, who stars in “Conclave,” shared the cast’s best wishes for Pope Francis. This heartfelt gesture added a touching moment to the ceremony and highlighted the strong sense of camaraderie and support within the acting community.
The SAG Awards are closely watched as an Oscar preview, and this year was no exception. With “Conclave” winning with the actors and at the BAFTAs, the race for best picture at the upcoming Academy Awards has become even more unpredictable.
Ralph Fiennes, who stars in “Conclave,” took the stage to accept the award on behalf of the ensemble. He expressed his gratitude and said, “I’ve not been elected to speak. I’ve been designated to speak on behalf of our conclave, our ensemble.” This win is a testament to the incredible performances and chemistry of the entire cast.
But the surprises didn’t end there. Timothee Chalamet’s win for best actor upset the favorite, Adrien Brody, and put the 29-year-old on course to possibly win his first Academy Award. Chalamet looked visibly surprised when his name was announced, but he spoke with composure and confidence once he reached the stage.
In his acceptance speech, Chalamet said, “The truth is, this was 5 ½ years of my life. I poured everything I had into playing this incomparable artist, Mr. Bob Dylan, a true American hero. It was the honor of a lifetime playing him.” He then added, “The truth is, I’m really in pursuit of greatness. I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats.” This determination and passion for his craft is what makes Chalamet a rising star in the industry.
The other Oscar favorites, Demi Moore, Zoe Saldana, and Kieran Culkin, all took home awards at the SAG ceremony. The SAG Awards are known for being a strong indicator of who will win at the Oscars, and their picks often align closely with those of the film academy.
In her acceptance speech, Moore seemingly solidified her Oscar chances by saying, “What we believe is so much more powerful than what we think. The saying, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it’ – the reality is when I believe it, I will see it.” This powerful message resonates with the current state of the world and the importance of staying true to one’s beliefs.
The SAG Awards also provided a platform for important issues and causes. The devastating wildfires that began in early January forced the guild to cancel its in-person nominations announcement and launch a disaster relief fund for SAG-AFTRA members affected. Host Kristen Bell introduced attending firefighters as “the most attractive tables” among a sea of stars, highlighting the bravery and dedication of these individuals.
Jane Fonda, 87, was given the guild’s Life Achievement Award and provided the evening with its most passionately political moment. Fonda, a famed activist, spoke indirectly about President Donald Trump’s administration and urged everyone to use their voices and stand up for what they believe in. She said, “We are in our documentary moment. This is it. And it’s not a rehearsal.” Fonda’s powerful words serve as a reminder that art and activism go hand in hand.
The night also saw some first-time winners, including Jean Smart, who won best female actor in a comedy series for “Hacks.” Smart, who didn’t attend the ceremony, participated in a pre-taped introduction as her character, Deborah Vance. Martin Short, who won best male actor in a comedy series for “Only Murders in the Building,” was also not in attendance
