The Unpredictable 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards: A Night of Surprises and Emotional Moments

The 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, held on Sunday, delivered a series of unexpected twists and heartfelt moments, adding to the excitement of an already unpredictable awards season. The evening saw Edward Berger’s Vatican drama “Conclave” take home the top prize for Best Ensemble, stunning many who expected Sean Baker’s “Anora” to dominate. The ceremony, which took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and was streamed live by Netflix, was filled with emotional speeches, political undertones, and a dash of humor. The biggest shock of the night came as Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” positioning him as a strong contender for his first Academy Award.

“Conclave” Pulls Off a Major Upset, Leaving Oscar Predictions Uncertain

The evening’s most significant surprise was the victory of “Conclave,” a fictionalized account of a papal election, in the Best Ensemble category. This win came as the Catholic Church prayed for the health of Pope Francis, who remained in critical condition following an asthmatic respiratory crisis. The film’s cast, including Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini, accepted the award with grace, expressing their gratitude and solidarity with the pope. Isabella Rossellini had earlier shared the cast’s best wishes for Pope Francis during the ceremony.

The win for “Conclave” has thrown the Oscar race wide open, as it followed the film’s recent success at the BAFTAs. With “Anora” having swept earlier guild awards, including those from the producers, directors, and writers, many believed it was the clear frontrunner for Best Picture. Now, “Conclave” has inserted itself into the conversation, leaving the industry buzzing with uncertainty just one week before the Academy Awards.

Timothée Chalamet’s Triumphant and Emotional Win

Timothée Chalamet’s Best Actor victory for his role as Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown” was both a surprise and a testament to his dedication. Chalamet, who looked visibly stunned when his name was called, composed himself upon taking the stage. In a heartfelt speech, he reflected on the 5 ½ years he spent preparing for the role, calling it the “honor of a lifetime” to portray the American icon. He also shared his aspirations, declaring, “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.”

Chalamet’s win overturned expectations, as Adrien Brody was also in the race for his performance in “The Brutalist.” Chalamet’s emotional acceptance and his bold statement about striving for greatness have further solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most ambitious and talented young actors.

Oscar Favorites Shine, But the Road to the Academy Awards Remains Unpredictable

While “Conclave” and Chalamet’s wins were the night’s biggest surprises, other Oscar favorites also performed well. Zoe Saldaña, Demi Moore, and Kieran Culkin all took home awards, strengthening their positions as top contenders for the Oscars. The SAG Awards have long been seen as a key indicator of Academy voters’ preferences, with the last three Best Ensemble winners (“Oppenheimer,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” and “CODA”) going on to win Best Picture. Similarly, most SAG acting winners in recent years have also claimed Oscars, with Lily Gladstone being the sole exception last year.

Demi Moore, who won for her role in “The Substance,” further cemented her Oscar chances, following her recent Golden Globe victory. Her speech emphasized the power of belief, saying, “What we believe is so much more powerful than what we think. When I believe it, I will see it.” Her campaign has resonated deeply, particularly after she spoke about being pigeonholed as a “popcorn actress.”

Jane Fonda Delivers a Passionate and Political Speech

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came when Jane Fonda accepted the guild’s Life Achievement Award. The 87-year-old actress and activist delivered a fiery speech, indirectly addressing the political climate and urging unity in the face of adversity. “We are in our documentary moment,” she declared. “This is it. And it’s not a rehearsal.” Fonda also defined “woke” as simply caring about others, a statement that resonated with the audience.

Fonda’s words were both a call to action and a reflection on the challenges ahead. “A whole lot of people are going to be hurt by what’s happening, by what’s coming our way,” she warned. “We are going to need a big tent to resist what’s coming at us.” Her impassioned address added a deeply political and emotional layer to the evening, reminding the audience of the broader significance of their work and collective voice.

Other Highlights: Laughter, Controversy, and a Celebration of Excellence

The ceremony was not without its lighter moments. Colin Farrell, who won his first SAG Award for “The Penguin,” joked about giving Jamie Lee Curtis COVID at the Golden Globes, quipping, “Guilty as charged,” before playfully blaming Brendan Gleeson. Kieran Culkin, who won for “A Real Pain,” delivered a characteristically rambling acceptance speech, admitting that while the award was the heaviest he’d ever received, it “actually means a lot to me.”

Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” also made waves, with Zoe Saldaña taking home the award for Best Female Supporting Actor despite controversy surrounding the film’s lead actress, Karla Sofia Gascón, over old tweets. Meanwhile, the Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building” won Best Comedy Ensemble, with Selena Gomez humorously noting that her co-stars, Martin Short and Steve Martin, weren’t in attendance because they “don’t really care.”

The FX series “Shōgun” continued its dominance, winning Best Drama Series Ensemble and acting awards for Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, further solidifying its position as a standout in the television category.

A Night Marked by Resilience and Reflection

The 31st SAG Awards unfolded against the backdrop of the devastating wildfires that have impacted the region since early January. The guild had canceled its in-person nominations announcement and established a disaster relief fund for affected members. Host Kristen Bell introduced firefighters in attendance as “the most attractive tables” in the room, acknowledging their bravery and importance.

The ceremony also faced technical challenges, including audio issues during Jane Fonda’s speech and sporadic ads inserted by Netflix, which streamed the event. Despite these hiccups, the evening remained a celebration of artistic excellence, resilience, and the power of storytelling. As the industry prepares for the Oscars, the SAG Awards have once again proven their ability to surprise, inspire, and reflect the broader cultural and political landscape.