The 31st Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, held on February 23, 2025, celebrated the best performances in film and television over the past year. The ceremony took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, hosted by actress and nominee Kristen Bell. This year’s event was particularly special, as it honored legendary actress and activist Jane Fonda with the Life Achievement Award.
The SAG Awards are unique because they are voted on by actors themselves, making them one of the most respected honors in the entertainment industry. Winners often gain momentum for the Academy Awards, which followed just a week later.
Below is a detailed breakdown of all the winners, along with highlights from the ceremony.
Film Categories
Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture
The top prize of the night went to Conclave, a gripping papal thriller starring Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, and Sergio Castellitto. The film’s win was a surprise, as many predicted Wicked or A Complete Unknown to take the award. The cast’s chemistry and powerful performances made Conclave a standout.
Best Male Actor in a Leading Role
Timothée Chalamet won for his role in A Complete Unknown, where he portrayed folk legend Bob Dylan. His transformative performance edged out strong competition, including Adrien Brody (The Last Showgirl) and Colman Domingo (Rustin). This victory solidified Chalamet’s status as one of Hollywood’s most talented young actors.
Best Female Actor in a Leading Role
Demi Moore took home the award for her haunting performance in The Substance. Her portrayal of a woman grappling with identity and aging resonated deeply with voters. Moore’s win was especially emotional, marking a major comeback in her career.
Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Kieran Culkin won for A Real Pain, where he played a troubled yet charismatic man struggling with personal demons. His performance was both heartbreaking and darkly humorous, earning praise from critics and peers alike.
Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Zoe Saldaña triumphed for her role in Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language crime drama. Her fierce and layered performance stood out in a competitive category that included Ariana Grande (Wicked) and Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown).
Best Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
The Fall Guy, an action-packed thriller starring Ryan Gosling, won for its jaw-dropping stunt work. The film’s practical effects and daring sequences impressed voters, beating out Dune: Part Two and Gladiator II.
Television Categories
Best Ensemble in a Drama Series
FX’s Shōgun dominated the drama categories, winning Best Ensemble. The historical epic, set in feudal Japan, featured standout performances from Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai, and Tadanobu Asano. The show’s intricate storytelling and powerful acting made it a clear favorite.
Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Only Murders in the Building continued its awards streak, winning Best Comedy Ensemble. The show’s trio—Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez—delivered another season of sharp wit and charm. Short also won Best Male Actor in a Comedy Series, though he was absent due to illness.
Best Male Actor in a Drama Series
Hiroyuki Sanada won for his commanding role as Lord Toranaga in Shōgun. His performance was both subtle and powerful, earning him widespread acclaim.
Best Female Actor in a Drama Series
Anna Sawai took home the award for her heartbreaking portrayal of Lady Mariko in Shōgun. Her emotional depth and strength made her one of the season’s most memorable characters.
Best Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Jean Smart won for her role in Hacks, marking her third consecutive SAG Award for the series. Her portrayal of a legendary comedian remains one of TV’s most compelling performances.
Best Stunt Ensemble in a TV Series
Shōgun also won for its stunt work, thanks to its meticulously choreographed fight scenes and battle sequences.
Special Honors
The night’s most moving moment came when Jane Fonda received the Life Achievement Award, presented by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Fonda, known for her iconic roles in Klute and 9 to 5, delivered a passionate speech about the importance of empathy and activism in art.
Final Thoughts
The 31st SAG Awards highlighted a year of outstanding performances, with surprises like Conclave’s ensemble win and emotional victories for Demi Moore and Timothée Chalamet. The ceremony also reinforced Shōgun’s dominance in television, proving that strong storytelling and brilliant acting continue to captivate audiences.
As the awards season wrapped up, these wins set the stage for the 2025 Oscars, where many of these actors and films were expected to compete once again.
