The Screen Actor’s Guild Awards, also known as the SAG Awards, are the award show that means the most to our favorite actors and actresses. It’s the award show where actors in the union (now merged into SAG-AFTRA from the original two separate unions of SAG and AFTRA) can honor and vote for their favorite performances of the year. So winning’s proof that their peers acknowledge and respect the work they’ve contributed to film and TV in the past year.
What makes this show so unique and exciting is that it gives viewers a look into the lives of each actor and how they got to where they are today — including some special acting-revolving speeches. For instance, Modern Family star Ty Burrell’s gave his five tips to being an actor — a speech that topped our list. And of course, the famous opening where actors start of the show with a small personal story and then end with “And I’m an actor.”
However, another great thing about the SAG Awards is that much like the Golden Globes both television and film are recognized. So as expected — it was a star filled night.
The big winners of the night were “American Hustle” winning Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (the show’s “Best Picture” category), “Breaking Bad” winning Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, and “Modern Family” winning Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
As for the top four acting film awards, perhaps the winners may have secured who will take home the Oscars in March. Lupita Nyong’o beat out Jennifer Lawrence once again with a win for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her role in “12 Years a Slave”. Then in the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role Cate Blanchett continued to dominate the category this award season with a win for her work in “Blue Jasmine”.
Both top male actor categories saw no surprises – despite Oscar-snubbed actors like Tom Hanks and Forest Whitaker topping the list. Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role went to Jared Leto for “Dallas Buyer’s Club” — an award season favorite. “Dallas Buyer’s Club” co-star Matthew McConaughey won for the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role as expected.
But more surprises were to be seen in the television awards! Modern Family’s Ty Burrell won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series and Julia-Louis Dreyfus took home award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for “Veep”.
Bryan Cranston and Maggie Smith took home their awards for their respective Outstanding Performance in a Drama Series categories for their roles in “Breaking Bad” and “Downton Abbey” – which came as no surprise to most. Along with Michael Douglas winning for “Behind the Candelabra” in the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries category.
More shocking was Helen Mirren’s win over Elisabeth Moss in the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries for her work in “Phil Spector”.
But of course, above all, the biggest win of the night was Rita Moreno’s acceptance of SAG’s 50th Annual Lifetime Achievement Award. Which included a full montage of her past work and a speech full of songs of gratitude for her peers.
Other awards not announced on the live telecast of the SAG Awards include Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture – which was awarded to “Lone Survivor” – and Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Comedy or Drama Series – awarded to “Game of Thrones”. Definitely some fun categories to add to the SAG nominations.
There’s a while until the Academy will finally announce their winners but coming up next is the Grammy’s – music’s biggest night! So if you still haven’t finished seeing all those Oscar nominated films, now’s your chance!