Martin Short Celebrated at 2025 SAG Awards for ‘Only Murders in the Building’

Martin Short, celebrated for his role as Oliver Putnam in Only Murders in the Building, has won the Outstanding Male Actor in a Comedy Series award at the 2025 SAG Awards. The ceremony, which took place on Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, honored the finest performances across film and television. This marks Short’s first individual SAG Award win after three nominations for the same role, cementing his status as a comedic icon. Due too unforeseen circumstances, the 74-year-old Short was unable to attend the event, and Joey King and Jack Quaid accepted the award on his behalf.

The 31st annual Screen Actors Guild awards was a star-studded affair, but Short’s absence was noticeable. While King and Quaid accepted the award, they did not specify the reason for his absence.Tho, Steve Martin, Short’s Only Murders co-star, recently revealed that Short had contracted COVID after attending SNL50: The Anniversary Special.

A Well-Deserved Win for a Comedic Master

Short’s portrayal of Oliver putnam, a Broadway director experiencing a career lull who reinvents himself as a true-crime podcaster, has resonated deeply with both audiences and critics. His impeccable comedic timing, combined with the character’s endearing vulnerability, has made Oliver a beloved figure. Only murders in the Building centers around three strangers,played by Short,Steve Martin,79,and Selena Gomez,who share a fascination with true crime and unexpectedly find themselves at the heart of one.

The competition in the category was formidable, with short competing against a talented group of nominees. Adam Brody was nominated for his role in Nobody Wants This, Ted Danson for A Man on the Inside, Harrison Ford for shrinking, and Jeremy Allen White for The Bear.

The Chemistry of ‘Only Murders’

The success of Only Murders in the Building is often attributed to the undeniable chemistry among its lead actors. Co-creator John Hoffman spoke about Short’s onscreen connection with Meryl streep, 75, who plays Loretta Durkin, in an October 2024 interview with Dec

Martin Short’s Triumph: Unpacking the SAG Award Win & the Enduring Magic of “Only Murders”

Did you know that Martin Short’s SAG Award win for his role in Only Murders in the Building wasn’t just a personal triumph, but also a testament to the enduring power of comedic timing and ensemble cast chemistry?

Interviewer: Dr. Eleanor Vance, renowned television and film critic and expert on comedic performance, welcome. Martin Short’s SAG Award win for his portrayal of Oliver Putnam in Only Murders in the Building has been widely celebrated. coudl you shed some light on what makes his performance so compelling?

Dr. Vance: Absolutely. Martin Short’s win is a well-deserved recognition of his impeccable comedic skills and his ability to create a deeply relatable character, even within a fantastical premise. Oliver Putnam’s journey—a seasoned Broadway director experiencing career uncertainty who finds unexpected success through his true-crime podcast—resonates with audiences on multiple levels. His character arc highlights the resilience and adaptability present even in the face of professional setbacks, reminding us that passion and ingenuity can lead to new and surprising opportunities.His comedic timing is legendary, of course, perfectly balancing wit and vulnerability.

Interviewer: The show itself has been a phenomenal success. What elements contribute to Only Murders in the Building‘s broad appeal,in your opinion?

Dr. Vance: The success can be attributed to a perfect storm of creative elements. The captivating true-crime mystery at the heart of the show keeps audiences hooked, season after season. But equally vital is the unparalleled chemistry between the three leads—Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Selena gomez. Their interplay—a blend of wit, camaraderie, and unexpected emotional depth—anchors the series and allows the humour to arise organically, rather than feeling forced or contrived. The show masterfully blends lighthearted comedy with genuine suspense, making it accessible across a wide range of viewing preferences.

Interviewer: Martin Short’s character,Oliver,is a wonderfully complex comedic creation. Can you elaborate on his specific comedic qualities that distinguish him?

Dr. Vance: Oliver’s comedy derives from a engaging blend of sources. His over-the-top reactions and physical comedy are classic and expertly executed. But what truly elevates his comedic persona is the undercurrent of vulnerability and insecurity that surfaces throughout the seasons. This blend of high-spirited silliness and genuine emotional depth is what allows the audience to connect with him on a deeply personal level. while he’s undeniably funny, his struggles make him more authentic and relatable. This unique combination—the juxtaposition of exaggerated comedic antics with moments of poignant introspection—is a key element in his impactful comedic performance and contributes to viewers’ delight.

Interviewer: Short’s win highlights the continuing importance of comedic acting in television. How do you see the role of comedy evolving in contemporary TV?

Dr. Vance: Comedy in television continues to evolve in exciting ways,moving from broad,slapstick humour towards more sophisticated and nuanced approaches. However, masterful comedic timing, as demonstrated by Martin Short, remains paramount. While formats and styles change, the ability to deliver a joke with precision and impact remains the core of triumphant comedic performances. We are also seeing a greater emphasis on character-driven comedy, where the humour emerges organically from the characters’ personalities and interactions, as in Only Murders in the Building. It’s not about just telling jokes, but about inhabiting a character and letting the humour unfold naturally through their journey.

Interviewer: What is your overall assessment of Martin Short’s contribution to the world of comedy,particularly in Only Murders in the Building?

Dr. Vance: Martin Short’s performance in Only Murders represents a masterclass in comedic acting. His ability effortlessly to blend physical comedy, emotional depth, and impeccable timing has cemented his place as a comedic legend. Beyond his individual talent, he’s integral to the show’s overall success. His character is not merely a supporting element; he’s a crucial piece of the puzzle that elevates the entire ensemble cast’s performance and the show’s impact on audiences worldwide. The award is a just recognition of his talent, longevity, and adaptability as a celebrated comedic performer.

Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Vance, for these insightful comments. Your expertise has given us a deeper gratitude of Martin short’s award and the art of comedic performance.

Concluding Thought: Martin Short’s SAG Award win is more than just an individual accomplishment; it’s a reflection of Only Murders in the Building‘s successful formula: compelling mystery, sharp writing, and, most importantly, the undeniable chemistry and comedic genius of its cast. Share your thoughts on Martin Short’s performance and the show itself in the comments below!