For far too long, the predictive power of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards has been overlooked. Finally, the union’s award ceremony is receiving the recognition it deserves as the last major precursor prior to the Academy Awards. But don’t get it twisted, the SAG Awards have secured their rightful place in the industry and proved they’re more than just a shadow in the wake of the Oscars. After the 2025 ceremony, it’s clear that they stand on their own as a legitimate honoring of deserving SAG members.
February 23rd designated the Screen Actors Guild’s 31st annual ceremony, held at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium, in which especially notable performances from the past year were recognized. The ceremony, streamed live on Netflix, was hosted by superstar actress, singer, and mogul Kristen Bell, marking her second return since 2018. Overall, the evening showcased historic and notable wins, advocatory speeches, and satiric faux-feuds that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
The 2025 ceremony began with the classic “I am an Actor” spiel, featuring a select list of actors who showcased their transformative journeys and anecdotes during their career, emphasizing the hardships many of them faced on their turbulent paths to fame. One of the night’s most notable moments came just minutes after Bell’s introduction, when Jessica Williams delivered her amusing opening monologue, only to be interrupted by a mischievous Harrison Ford, who playfully distracted her by eating d’oeuvres over her shoulder, which naturally, triggered roars of abundant laughter from the audience.
Following Williams’ bit, host for the night, Kristen Bell took the stage to deliver a musical parody of “Let it Go” from Disney’s Frozen, in which she voices the widely beloved character, Anna. Bell’s performance catered to a wide variety of viewers, as her riff was filled with witty references to Hollywood’s current status-quo and the unique modern tribulations that actors presently face.
With such an encouraging tone set for the evening, it was only natural for a little tension and perhaps some satirical grudges to take the spotlight. Kiernan Culkin, who’s been sweeping trophies left and right this entire award season for his performance in “A Real Pain”, accepted the night’s first televised award with his signature off-the-cuff sense of humor. As he ascended the stage, he made an unexpected jab at Adrien Brody, in reference to his infamous reputation of rambling during speeches. “I don’t think there’s any way anyone can hold this for 45 seconds … which is the allotted time, Adrien Brody. 45 seconds” Culkin quickly followed up with “There was no reason to take that shot. I love you. Take your time”, making the burn all the more scathing, especially since Brody walked away from the ceremony empty handed.
Jean Smart, though absent from the ceremony due to filming obligations for “Hacks”, still managed to mark her presence in a pre-recorded bit, imitating her boisterous “Hacks” persona, Deborah Vance. In the sketch, Vance learns that she won’t be hosting the SAG Awards, and yet the relentless comedian continues to polish her speech. “It’s an honor to be here with so many amazing actresses — and Jamie Lee Curtis.” When co-star Hannah Einbinder feigned shock, Vance snapped, “She knows what she did!” —a cryptic jab that left audiences and Curtis herself on the outskirts of the joke.
Curtis, however, had her own playful moment when she introduced Colin Farrell to present an award. “To the man who gave me COVID at the Golden Globes, Colin Farrell,” she bantered sarcastically. Farrell, caught off guard, offered a hesitant laugh before confirming that yes, he had unintentionally spread COVID-19 to his industry peers at the recent Golden Globes ceremony.
The SAG awards not only celebrate excellence in acting but also honor resilience and ambition within actors. After his portrayal of Bob Dylan in the hit biopic, “A Complete Unknown”, Timothee Chalamet finally received his due recognition. His win for Male Actor in a Leading Role made him the youngest recipient of the award in history. Yet, his acceptance speech stirred a surplus of controversy. Acknowledging Dylan’s irrevocable legacy, he boldly declared his future aspirations, “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.” While some criticized his confidence as arrogance, others applauded him for vocalizing what most actors secretly aspire to.
Acting wasn’t the only industry in the spotlight that evening. The Screen Actors Guild highlighted the power of advocacy, particularly through the presentation of the Life Achievement Award to Jane Fonda. Fresh off her success on hit sitcom, “Grace and Frankie”, Fonda has led a life full of altruism and advocacy. On this particular night, Fonda used her acceptance speech to emphasize the importance of unions, community support, and political awareness. “We need to call upon our empathy and not judge but listen from our hearts and welcome them into our tent… Make no mistake, empathy is not weak or woke,” she declared, “And by the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people.” Despite never explicitly mentioning President Trump, the implication behind her words sent a clear message which instantly triggered discourse.
Fonda’s advocatory speech seemed to inspire others, as “Emilia Perez” sweeping star Zoë Saldaña accepted the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role. Saldaña used her platform to acknowledge and condemn Trump’s recent executive order against trans citizens, which forced individuals to dysphorically alter their gender markers on passports. Not only did her denunciation of transphobia align with the morals of her film, it also resonated with her on a personal level. “As the proud aunt of a trans life, I will always stand with my community of trans people,” she declared, nodding to her trans nephew in the audience.
The 2025 SAG Awards proved to be more than just the Oscar’s ultimate understudy. Filled with humor, passionate advocacy, and tension-breaking feuds, the night still felt young, even as most celebs made their way to overly inconspicuous afterparties. As the night ceased, one thing was abundantly clear: the Screen Actors Guild once again cemented their place as one of the most consequential award shows in Hollywood.
SOURCES:
https://ew.com/sag-awards-2025-best-and-worst-moments-11684810
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/g63890080/sag-awards-2025-highlights/
https://people.com/sag-awards-2025-jean-misses-sag-awards-appears-in-opener-11681207
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/24/movies/jane-fonda-sag-awards-speech.html
PHOTO CREDITS:
Kristen Bell Photo – Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Jamie Lee Curtis/Colin Farrell Photo – Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Jane Fonda Photo – Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Cover Photo – Netflix
