2025 SAG Awards: Conclave Triumphs, Shōgun Sweeps, & More!

Film Categories: Surprises & Standouts

Conclave, directed by Edward Berger, secured the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The ensemble, featuring Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, and John Lithgow, portrays the intense dynamics of a papal election. This marks Conclave’s second big win, following the best film award at the BAFTAs.

Timothée Chalamet was honored with Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. In his acceptance speech, Chalamet expressed gratitude, stating, "To embody such an iconic figure was a daunting task, and I share this honor with the incredible team who supported me." 

Demi Moore received the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for The Substance. In her heartfelt speech, Moore reflected on her career's evolution and offered guidance to emerging actors: "In our pursuit of art, let's not lose sight of human connection. It's through our shared experiences that we find the true essence of storytelling." 

In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin was recognized with Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for A Real Pain. Culkin's unprepared yet endearing speech added a touch of spontaneity to the evening. 

Zoe Saldaña was awarded Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for Emilia Pérez, further solidifying her status as a versatile and compelling actress. She dedicated her award to "all the women who dare to break barriers and tell their stories." 

Television Categories: Dominance of Shōgun

The television adaptation of Shōgun emerged as a dominant force, securing four awards, including Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Individual accolades were bestowed upon Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai for their compelling performances. Sanada, in his speech, expressed, "I feel like I'm in a dream. Thank you, SAG Awards." 

In the comedy realm, Only Murders in the Building was recognized with Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, with Martin Short earning individual honors for his role. Due to health precautions, Short was unable to attend, but he conveyed his gratitude through a recorded message, expressing his appreciation for the cast and crew.

Lifetime Achievement: Jane Fonda's Impassioned Address

Jane Fonda was honored with the SAG Life Achievement Award, recognizing her extensive career and activism. Despite technical difficulties during her speech, Fonda delivered an impassioned message emphasizing the critical role of empathy in acting and society. She urged her peers to harness their influence for positive change, stating, "It's empathy that allows us to understand the pain and joy of others, and it's through empathy that we can bring about meaningful change."

Looking Ahead: Implications for the Oscars

The SAG Awards often serve as a bellwether for the Academy Awards. The past three recipients of SAG’s top honor—Oppenheimer, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and CODA—each went on to claim the Academy Award for Best Picture. While those films dominated the awards season, Conclave has followed a less sweeping trajectory, with its only other major best-picture win coming from the BAFTAs. 

Chalamet’s victory broke Adrien Brody’s The Brutalist awards-season streak, marking a significant shift in momentum. Historically, SAG winners have had a strong track record at the Oscars—every individual acting winner from the past three years went on to claim an Academy Award, with one exception. Last year, SAG’s best actress winner, Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon), ultimately lost the Oscar to Emma Stone (Poor Things).

Demi Moore's momentum began with a win at the Golden Globe Awards, where she was honored as Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical for her role in The Substance. However, the competition remains fierce. Mikey Madison's compelling role in Anora has also attracted critical acclaim, earning her a BAFTA win for Leading Actress and keeping her in the Oscar conversation. As the Academy Awards approach, Moore's consistent recognition this season, coupled with her recent SAG award win, positions her favorably. Yet, with formidable performances from her peers, the Best Actress category remains highly competitive and unpredictable.