SAG Awards 2024: A Night of Celebration and Change
The highly anticipated 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards is just around the corner, and this year’s event promises to be a landmark occasion. From its new streaming platform to the return of the event to its iconic venue, there are plenty of reasons why this year’s SAG Awards is generating buzz among industry insiders and fans alike.
A Commercial-Free Experience on Netflix
For the first time in its history, the SAG Awards will be available for streaming on Netflix. Even viewers on the cheaper advertising tier will enjoy a commercial-free experience during the live telecast on Saturday at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET. However, for those who wish to timeshift and watch the SAG Awards later, commercial breaks will be inserted into replays.
This move to Netflix marks a significant shift for the SAG Awards, as it joins the growing list of major events transitioning from linear television to streaming platforms. The multi-year pact between SAG-AFTRA and Netflix, reportedly worth $7 million, solidifies the awards show’s commitment to embracing the digital age.
A Landmark Year
The 30th anniversary of the SAG Awards adds an extra layer of significance to this year’s event. Returning to its long-standing home at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall after two years away, the SAG Awards pays homage to its three-decade legacy. Previously held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel and Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, the event’s return to its roots is a nostalgic moment for both industry veterans and newcomers.
Moreover, this year’s SAG Awards marks the first ceremony following last year’s SAG-AFTRA strike and subsequent agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). With a new production team led by Baz Halpin, Mark Bracco, and Linda Gierahn of Silent House Productions, alongside SAG-AFTRA’s Jon Brockett as executive producers, the event promises fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
Star-Studded Presenters and Performances
As always, the SAG Awards boasts an impressive lineup of presenters and performers. Idris Elba is set to open the show, setting the stage for an evening of celebration and recognition. One of the highlights of the night will be Jennifer Aniston presenting Barbra Streisand with the prestigious 59th SAG Life Achievement Award.
The event will also feature a special reunion of the cast of “The Devil Wears Prada,” with Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt gracing the stage together. This highly anticipated reunion is sure to delight fans of the beloved film.
In addition to these star-studded moments, a diverse array of presenters will take the stage, including Jessica Chastain, Robert Downey Jr., Billie Eilish, Taraji P. Henson, Melissa McCarthy, Margot Robbie, Alexander Skarsgård, Naomi Watts, and many more. With such a talented and esteemed lineup, viewers can expect an unforgettable night of entertainment.
Livestreaming and Beyond
To enhance the viewer experience, Netflix will also stream the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards Official Pre-Show. Hosted by Tan France and Elaine Welteroth, this pre-show will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews with nominees and attendees. Fans can catch the pre-show on Netflix and Netflix’s TikTok and YouTube channels at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on Saturday.
As the SAG Awards embraces its new streaming home, it continues to adapt to the changing landscape of entertainment. With no hard and fast time limit on the streamer, acceptance speeches can go long, allowing winners to share their heartfelt gratitude without constraints. This flexibility adds an element of authenticity and spontaneity to the awards show, ensuring that the most engaging moments are given the time they deserve.
While the exact viewership numbers may remain a mystery, the SAG Awards on Netflix is poised to captivate audiences worldwide. As the event unfolds, viewers will witness the power of storytelling and the talent of the screen actors who bring these stories to life. The 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards is not just a celebration of excellence in acting but also a testament to the resilience and evolution of the entertainment industry.