2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards: A Night of Triumph and Oscar Predictions

The 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, held on February 23, 2025, at the iconic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, was a night to remember. Hosted by the charismatic Kristen Bell, the ceremony celebrated outstanding performances in film and television, setting the stage for what promises to be an unpredictable Oscar race.

Key Highlights of the Ceremony

Historic Wins and Surprising Upsets

• Timothée Chalamet: At just 29 years old, Timothée Chalamet made history as the youngest actor to win Best Actor at the SAG Awards for his captivating portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown.” His performance has been widely praised, and industry experts speculate that this win could significantly boost his chances at the upcoming Oscars.
• Demi Moore: Known for her fearless performance in “The Substance,” Demi Moore won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role. Her role as Elisabeth Sparkle—a fitness show TV host who undergoes a grotesque transformation after consuming a mysterious substance—has been described as career-defining, solidifying her place as one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses.
• “Conclave”: The ensemble cast of “Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger, took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The film follows the intrigue surrounding the election of a new pope and has been praised for its gripping storyline and stellar performances from its cast, including Ralph Fiennes.

Television Triumphs

• “Shōgun”: This sweeping historical drama dominated the television categories, showcasing the incredible talent that continues to elevate the small screen.
• “Only Murders in the Building”: The comedy-mystery series also claimed a major award, highlighting its unique blend of humor and intrigue.

Implications for the Oscars

The SAG Awards are not just a celebration of individual achievements but also a crucial indicator of Oscar success. This year’s ceremony has thrown the Oscar race into high gear, delivering a mix of expected wins and jaw-dropping upsets.

Key Takeaways from the SAG Awards

1. “Conclave” Solidifies Its Position
   “Conclave,” the papal drama that won Best Ensemble at the SAGs, continues its late-season momentum after also taking home Best Film at the BAFTAs. Historically, 15 of the past 29 SAG Best Ensemble winners have gone on to win Best Picture at the Oscars, making “Conclave” a strong contender in this year’s race.

2. Timothée Chalamet and Demi Moore Shine
   Timothée Chalamet’s win for Best Actor for his role in “A Complete Unknown” has further cemented his status as a leading contender for the Oscars. Similarly, Demi Moore’s surprise victory for Best Actress in “The Substance” has injected new life into her Oscar campaign.

3. Zoe Saldaña and Kieran Culkin Break Through
   Zoe Saldaña’s win for Best Supporting Actress in “Emilia Pérez” and Kieran Culkin’s victory for Best Supporting Actor have added fresh faces to the Oscar conversation, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this year’s awards season.

Potential Upsets and Shifts in Oscar Predictions

• Best Picture Race Heats Up
  While “Conclave” is now a clear frontrunner, films like “Anora,” which has already secured key wins at the PGA, DGA, and WGA Awards, remain strong contenders. The SAGs have shown that no film is entirely safe, as evidenced by past surprises like “CODA” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

• Acting Categories See New Momentum
  Timothée Chalamet’s win has shifted the narrative in the Best Actor race, making him a formidable rival to previous frontrunners. Similarly, Demi Moore’s victory could challenge expectations in the Best Actress category.

Why the SAGs Matter

The Screen Actors Guild Awards are particularly influential because actors make up the largest voting branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. While there’s no guarantee that SAG winners will repeat at the Oscars, their choices often reflect broader industry sentiment.

Ceremony Highlights: Memorable Moments from the Shrine Auditorium

The ceremony featured heartfelt speeches, nostalgic montages, and a tribute to the art of acting. It was a night that highlighted the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of the film and television industry on culture and society.

1. Memorable Speeches That Stole the Show

From inspiring words to hilarious jokes, the speeches at this year’s ceremony were nothing short of remarkable. Many winners took the stage to express gratitude, share heartfelt stories, and even sprinkle in some humor. One highlight was a winner who reminisced about their early days in the industry, bringing nostalgia to the forefront.

2. Emotional Reactions That Tugged at Heartstrings

The ceremony was a rollercoaster of emotions, with winners and nominees alike showing raw, unfiltered reactions. These genuine moments reminded us all that awards shows are about more than just trophies—they’re about celebrating human talent and perseverance.

3. Selena Gomez’s Shock at Winning for Only Murders in the Building

The biggest surprise of the night came when Selena Gomez and her Only Murders in the Building cast took home a major award. Gomez, who has been open about her struggles in the industry, was visibly stunned when their names were announced. She mouthed “What?” to her co-stars and later joked during her speech, saying, “We never win. This is so weird!”

4. Unconventional Ceremony Moments That Broke the Mold

The ceremony also featured some unconventional elements that kept things fresh and exciting. For instance, one winner accepted their award while holding their pet, turning the moment into an adorable viral sensation.

Ceremony Details: A Night to Remember

Venue: Shrine Auditorium

The ceremony took place at the iconic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, a historic and versatile indoor-outdoor venue known for its grand architecture and state-of-the-art facilities. With a seating capacity of over 6,300 people, the auditorium has hosted some of the biggest events in entertainment.

Streaming Platform: Netflix

For the first time ever, the ceremony was streamed live on Netflix, marking a significant step in making the event accessible to a global audience. Netflix brought its signature quality and reach to the broadcast, allowing fans worldwide to watch the action unfold in real-time.

Notable Presenters and Performers

The ceremony featured a star-studded lineup of presenters and performers, adding glamour and excitement to the event. Some of the notable names included Selena Gomez, Ben Stiller, Oprah Winfrey, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Taylor Swift, Queen Latifah, SZA, Doja Cat, RAYE, Blackpink’s Lisa, Wayne Brady, Scott Hoying, Angelique Kidjo, and Taj Mahal.

The Rise of Streaming Platforms: A New Era in Entertainment

The entertainment industry is undergoing a seismic shift, and streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu are at the center of this revolution. These platforms have not only changed how we consume content but have also redefined the dynamics of award season.

Streaming Platforms Redefine Content Accessibility

Streaming platforms have democratized access to high-quality films and television shows, breaking down geographical and financial barriers that once limited audience reach. For instance, Netflix’s global subscriber base ensures that its original content reaches millions in over 190 countries.

The Rise of Diverse Content

Streaming platforms are prioritizing diverse storytelling, challenging traditional award criteria that often favored homogeneous narratives. This diversity extends to international productions as well, with platforms like Netflix and Disney+ investing heavily in global content.

Streaming Giants Dominate Award Categories

The dominance of streaming giants in major award categories is undeniable. Netflix, for instance, has consistently topped the list of Emmy and Oscar nominations in recent years. In 2025 alone, the platform took home four BAFTA Awards, solidifying its position as a leader in the awards circuit.

The Role of Streaming in Reshaping Award Recognition Patterns

The rise of streaming has forced award bodies to rethink their criteria and processes. Social media commentary now plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of awards shows. Platforms like Twitter and TikTok have become hubs for real-time discussions, influencing how audiences engage with award winners and nominees.

Conclusion

The 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards were not just a celebration of talent but also a reflection of the entertainment industry’s evolution. From its impact on award season trends to its role in shaping industry practices, the ceremony proved once again why it remains a cornerstone of Hollywood’s awards ecosystem. As the Oscars approach, all eyes will be on how these wins influence the final outcomes—and how the lessons learned from this year’s SAG Awards continue to inspire change in the years to come.