The SAG Awards is one of the most important events in the entertainment industry for honoring actors in films and television. The SAG-AFTRA, i.e., Screen Actor Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, is an organization that presents awards. Being nominated or winning a SAG award can promote an actor’s career. It is said that actors who won SAG awards might win Oscars. In this article, you are going to learn about the importance of SAG awards, their history and origin, how they have evolved over the years, and how they have impacted the actors’ lives.
History Of The SAG Awards
The SAG Awards, first held in March 1995, was a small ceremony compared to large-scale events like the Oscars and was celebrated to honor the achievements of actors in the film and TV industry. The ceremony was broadcast on cable networks, and since then, SAG awards have gained popularity and viewership. SAG awards have evolved over the years as they have added more categories and widened the scope of nominations. They have now expanded the categories for the series and movies produced by digital giants like Netflix or Prime.
Importance Of The SAG Awards
The SAG Awards are often seen as a milestone in the film and TV industry. However, actors can win awards only after a voting process. The fact was that the members of the voting panel were actors themselves, making the award a true recognition. The nominations were based on candidates’ performances made in the previous year. After nominations, all SAG-AFTRA members vote for the winner. The winners then get more media attention, more promotional opportunities, and a boost in reputation and public profile. It opens doors to how career opportunities and nominees or winners may earn nominations at the Oscars.
Glimpse Of Award Winners
| Best In their Category | Winner | Works |
| Actor in a Leading Role | Timothée Chalamet | A Complete Unknown |
| Actress in a Leading Role | Demi Moore | The Substance |
| Supporting Actor | Kieran Culkin | A Real Pain |
| Supporting Actress | Zoe Saldaña | Emilia Pérez |
| Ensemble Cast in a Film | Conclave | |
| Actor in a Drama Series | Hiroyuki Sanada | Shōgun |
| Actress in a Drama Series | Anna Sawai | Shōgun |
| Actor in a Comedy Series | Martin Short | Only Murders in the Building |
| Actress in a Comedy Series | Jean Smart | Hacks |
| Actor in a Limited Series | Colin Farrell | The Penguin |
| Actress in a Limited Series | Jessica Gunning | Baby Reindeer |
| Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble | The Fall Guy | |
| Drama Series Ensemble | Shōgun | |
| Comedy Series Ensemble | Only Murders in the Building |
Ceremony At Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel, LA
The SAG Awards are held once a year in January or February. The ceremony takes place at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in LA, California. The main attractions of the event are the red carpet and the Ensemble award. This year, the award show was streamed live on Netflix and hosted by Kristen Bell, who was nominated for her role in Nobody Wants This.
Controversies & Criticisms
Actress Karla Sofía Gascón, who was remembered as the first transgender actress nominated for the Oscars, was absent on the night of the event. Also, during the ceremony, Jane Fonda, who was known for her activism, delivered a speech that mentioned the war in Vietnam. However, the event was not the appropriate place for delivering this speech. Harrison Ford made a humorous photobomb that added to the series of unexpected moments.
Final Words
In the end, the night of the SAG Awards 2025 will be remembered as a night full of surprises. Karla Sofía Gascón’s absence fueled debates and the unexpected win of Timothée Chalamet for the best actor in a leading role in “A Complete Unknown.” Meanwhile, the SAG Awards have opened the gates for the Acadamy Awards, and we can only wait to see what happens next.
