‘Conclave’ Takes Top Honors at SAG Awards, Setting Stage for Tight Oscars Race

The 31st Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, held on sunday, February 23, 2025, have dramatically reshaped expectations for the upcoming Academy Awards. The ensemble cast of “Conclave,” a drama focusing on the intricate process of selecting a new pope, secured the prestigious Best Ensemble Cast award.This victory follows the film’s recent triumph at the British Academy film Awards (BAFTA), intensifying speculation surrounding the Best Picture category at the Oscars, scheduled for March 2. The night also saw surprise wins for Demi Moore adn Timothée Chalamet, further complicating the predictions for Hollywood’s biggest night.

31st Screen Actors Guild Awards“>

‘Conclave’ Cast Celebrates Community and Sends Well Wishes

Ralph Fiennes, the acclaimed British actor starring in “Conclave,” accepted the award on behalf of the film’s ensemble. He expressed profound gratitude to director Edward Berger, acknowledging his “perception, insight and care” in bringing the complex narrative to life.Fiennes’ words underscored the collaborative spirit that defined the film’s production, highlighting the importance of teamwork in creating compelling cinema.

Earlier in the evening, Isabella Rossellini, another prominent member of the “Conclave” cast, took a moment to address pope Francis’ recent health concerns. Rossellini stated that the cast “want to wish Pope Francis a swift recovery” following his diagnosis with pneumonia. This heartfelt gesture added a touch of humanity to the awards ceremony, bridging the gap between the fictional world of the film and real-world events.

Fiennes also emphasized the significance of the actors’ union, stating, “We do recognize the supreme importance of community in our work and in the world.” His remarks resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the vital role of solidarity and collaboration within the acting profession. The SAG Awards, after all, are an awards show voted on by actors, for actors.

Despite its triumph in the Best Ensemble Cast category, “Conclave” did not secure any other awards at the SAG ceremony. However,its victory in the top category firmly establishes it as a strong contender as the Oscars approach on March 2. The film’s exploration of power, faith, and human fallibility has clearly resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Wide-Open Best Picture Race Adds to the Suspense

This year’s Best Picture race has been remarkably unpredictable, with several films vying for the coveted top spot. “The Brutalist” and “Emilia Pérez” both claimed victories at the Golden Globes, while “Conclave” triumphed at the BAFTAs and SAG Awards. “Anora” has also garnered notable recognition, winning awards from various industry guilds, including those voted on by producers, writers, and directors. This wide range of contenders makes predicting the ultimate winner a challenging task.

Demi Moore’s Win for ‘The Substance’ Intensifies Best Actress Competition

Demi Moore’s unexpected win for her compelling performance in the body horror film “The Substance” has further complicated the Best Actress race. The category is now considered a close contest between Moore and Mikey Madison, who secured the BAFTA for her performance.moore, visibly moved by her win, shared her gratitude and reflected on her journey as an actress.

“This is remarkable, and so deeply meaningful,”

Demi Moore, SAG Awards Acceptance Speech

Moore recalled how receiving her first SAG card at the age of 15 “changed my life because it gave me meaning, it gave me purpose, and it gave me direction.”

“I was a kid on my own who had no blueprint for life,and I certainly knew nothing about acting. But I watched, and I listened and I learned from all of you.”

Demi moore, SAG Awards Acceptance Speech

She concluded by expressing her thankfulness for her fellow actors, stating, “You have all been my greatest teachers, and I am so grateful that I have continued over these many years to be able to try, and sometimes succeed and sometimes fail, but to be able to keep going.”

“The Substance” features Moore as an aging aerobics instructor who resorts to using a black market drug to create a younger version of herself, a premise that allows Moore to explore themes of aging, identity, and societal pressures.

Timothée Chalamet’s Surprise Victory Fuels His Pursuit of Greatness

Timothée Chalamet’s win in the Best Actor category for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown” was one of the night’s biggest surprises. He beat out Adrien Brody, who had been considered the frontrunner throughout the awards season. Chalamet expressed his deep connection to the role and his aspirations for his career.

“I know the classiest thing would be to downplay the effort that went into this role and how much this means to me,”

Timothée Chalamet, SAG Awards Acceptance Speech

Chalamet said in his acceptance speech. “But the truth is, this was five-and-a-half years of my life, I poured everything I have into playing this incomparable artist, Mr Bob Dylan, an American hero, and it was the honor of a lifetime playing him.”

“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, I’m inspired by the greats. This doesn’t signify that,but its a little more fuel,a little more ammo to keep going.”

Timothée chalamet, SAG Awards Acceptance speech

Conclusion: Oscars race Remains Unpredictable

The 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards provided a thrilling preview of what to expect at the upcoming Academy awards. With “Conclave’s” unexpected win for Best Ensemble Cast and victories for Demi Moore and Timothée Chalamet, the Oscars race remains wide open. As the industry prepares for the final showdown on March 2, the suspense and anticipation continue to build, promising a night of surprises and unforgettable moments. The SAG Awards have undoubtedly shaken up the established order, leaving many to wonder wich films and performances will ultimately triumph on hollywood’s biggest stage.

SAG Awards 2025: Kieran Culkin, Zoe Saldaña, and Colin Farrell Among Honorees

Los Angeles, CA – The 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards celebrated outstanding performances in film and television on February 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall. Among the night’s distinguished honorees were Kieran Culkin, recognized as best supporting actor for his role in “A Real Pain,” Zoe Saldaña, who took home the award for best supporting actress for her performance in “Emilia Pérez,” and Colin Farrell, celebrated as best actor in a limited series for his work in “The Penguin.” The ceremony was filled with humor, heartfelt speeches, and moments of genuine appreciation for the craft of acting.

SAG Awards 2025: ‘Shōgun,’ Saldaña, Farrell, and Gunning Shine at Star-Studded Ceremony

The 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, a highlight of the awards season, celebrated outstanding performances in film and television on February 23, 2025.Held at the Shrine auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, California, the event, hosted by Kristen Bell, recognized both established icons and emerging talents. “Shōgun” and “Only Murders in the Building” emerged as significant winners, while the ceremony also honored the Los Angeles Fire Department for their bravery during recent wildfires, adding a touch of solemnity to the celebratory atmosphere.

Jane Fonda Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Veteran actress and activist jane Fonda received the prestigious Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her remarkable career and contributions to the industry. in her heartfelt acceptance speech, Fonda reflected on the transformative power of acting and the vital importance of community, resonating deeply with the audience.

“I love acting,” Fonda stated, emphasizing its ability to broaden perspectives. “We get to open people’s minds to new ideas, take them beyond what they understand of the world, and help them laugh when things are rough.” She also humorously acknowledged how acting provided an outlet for emotions that were suppressed during her upbringing. “And for a woman like me, who grew up in the 40s and 50s when women weren’t supposed to have opinions and get angry, acting gave me a chance to play angry women with opinions, which as you know is a stretch for me.”

Fonda, a long-time advocate for labor rights, underscored the critical role of unions in supporting workers and fostering a sense of community.

I’m a big believer in unions, they have our backs, they bring us into community, and they give us power. This is really significant right now when workers’ power is being attacked and community is being weakened.

Her speech also touched upon the necessity of unity and mutual support during challenging times, urging attendees to remain connected and proactive.

We mustn’t kid ourselves about what is happening. we must not isolate, we must stay in community, help the vulnerable, we must find a way to project an inspiring vision of the future.

‘Shōgun’ Dominates TV Drama categories

FX’s historical drama “Shōgun” emerged as a major winner in the television categories, captivating audiences and critics alike with its compelling narrative and stellar performances. The series, set in feudal Japan, garnered significant recognition from the Screen Actors Guild, solidifying its status as a standout production of the year.

Kieran Culkin’s “Huge Honour”

Kieran Culkin’s portrayal in “A Real Pain,” a film about two cousins journeying through Poland to honor their grandmother’s memory, earned him the title of best supporting actor. Culkin began his acceptance speech with a touch of humor, joking, “Thank you Sag-Aftra for this incredibly heavy award.”

He expressed sincere gratitude, calling the award a “huge honour.” culkin then shared a story about how he was cast in the movie, giving credit to an unexpected source: Hallie Eisenberg, the sister of director Jesse Eisenberg.

He cast me in this movie without auditioning me,or seeing my work in anything,but he cast me as his sister told him to,so yes thank you for Jesse for putting me in this movie,but I want to take a moment to thank your sister Hallie.

Culkin concluded his thanks to hallie with a playful jab, saying, Thank you Hallie for thinking of me and putting my name in your stupid brother’s ear.

Zoe Saldaña’s Continued Success

Zoe Saldaña continued her winning streak in the supporting actress category,securing the SAG Award for her performance in “Emilia Pérez.” This Spanish-language musical tells the story of a Mexican drug lord undergoing gender change. Saldaña had previously won both a Golden Globe and a Bafta for the same role.

In her acceptance speech, Saldaña emphasized the importance of inclusivity and artistic freedom.

I’m proud to be part of a union that allows me to be who I am. I believe everyone has the right to be who we are, and Emilia Pérez is about truth and it’s about love. Actors now more than ever before have to tell stories that are lovely and thought provoking and live within the spectrum of artistic freedom.

While “Wicked” entered the night with the most nominations,it ultimately left empty-handed. Similarly, “Anora,” a frontrunner for best picture, did not repeat its earlier wins.

Colin Farrell’s Heartfelt Acceptance

The award for best actor in a limited series was presented by Jamie Lee Curtis, who jokingly attributed her COVID-19 diagnosis at the Golden Globes to Colin Farrell. Farrell,accepting his trophy for “The Penguin,” responded in good humor,saying,”Guilty as charged,but Brendon Gleeson gave it to me,so I was just spreading the love.”

Farrell’s speech took a more serious turn as he reflected on the nature of acting.

Accepting his trophy for The Penguin, Farrell said being an actor meant “you don’t get to fully grow up, you get to keep the dream of a child alive to try to figure out what it is indeed to be human”.

He also emphasized the collaborative nature of the profession, stating, It sounds cheesy to say, but we’re all supporting actors. I get it,the big parts go to leads,smaller parts go to day players and extras,but we all support each other.

Jessica Gunning’s “Lucky Bunny” Moment

British actress Jessica Gunning was recognized for her portrayal of Martha, a stalker, in the hit TV series “Baby Reindeer.” gunning expressed her surprise and gratitude, saying, “I feel like such a lucky bunny to be in this room, let alone be nominated.”

gunning shared a story about her early days as an actress, recalling how she worked in an office and created a vision board using PowerPoint, featuring inspirational figures she hoped to work with one day.

A Night of Celebration and Reflection

The 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards showcased the talent and dedication within the acting community. From Kieran Culkin’s humorous acceptance to Zoe Saldaña’s call for artistic freedom and Colin Farrell’s reflections on the actor’s journey, the night was a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of supporting one another in the pursuit of artistic expression. The awards, held on February 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, celebrated a year of outstanding performances and set the stage for future achievements in the world of entertainment.