Now in its second year streaming on Netflix, the Screen Actors Guild Awards proved that it’s more than just an industry-insider event. Whether you’re a casual movie-watcher or an awards season obsessive, last night’s ceremony had something for everyone.
Unlike most award shows that celebrate the industry as a whole, the SAG Awards focus solely on the craft of acting. Hosted by Kristen Bell (The Good Place, Veronica Mars), the night paid homage to the faces and characters that fill our screens—and our hearts.
Here were some of the most unforgettable moments:
Jane Fonda’s Monumental SAG Award—and Rousing Speech
The 87-year-old actress received the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Seinfeld, Veep). With a career spanning decades in films like 9 to 5, 80 for Brady, Book Club, and more, Fonda used her platform to advocate for empathy and social justice.
“A whole lot of people are going to be really hurt by what is happening, what is coming our way,” she said. “Even if they are of a different political persuasion, we need to call upon our empathy and not judge but listen from our hearts and welcome them into our tent. Because we are going to need a big tent to resist successfully what is coming at us.”
Fonda is no stranger to activism, having participated in social justice movements since the Vietnam War.
Kristen Bell Reprises Her Frozen Role to Honor Actors’ First Gigs
In a fun and heartwarming musical number, Kristen Bell sang a special version of Do You Wanna Build a Snowman? from Disney’s Frozen—but with a twist.
“Do you wanna be an actor? Let’s get your foot inside the door,” Bell sang, as a slideshow showcased major actors’ early roles. The audience laughed and cheered at throwback clips of stars like Selena Gomez in Barney and Kieran Culkin in Home Alone.
Timothée Chalamet’s Surprise Win
Adrien Brody has been sweeping awards season, winning Best Actor at both the BAFTAs and Golden Globes for his role in The Brutalist. Many expected him to take home the Oscar on March 2.
But last night, Timothée Chalamet shook things up with a surprise SAG win for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. In his acceptance speech, Chalamet made it clear he’s aiming for the top.
“I’m as inspired by Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, and Viola Davis as I am by Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps,” he said.
Only Winners in the Building
Chalamet wasn’t the night’s only unexpected victor. The cast of Only Murders in the Building looked stunned when they won Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
Selena Gomez was the only member of the main trio present, and she took the stage alongside other cast members, visibly shocked.
“Wait, we never win,” Gomez said, laughing. “This is so weird.”
Law & Order’s Lasting Legacy
It’s no secret that many of today’s biggest stars got their start with guest roles on Law & Order. The SAG Awards honored this legacy with a special montage highlighting actors’ early appearances on the iconic procedural.
Stars like Jennifer Garner, Bradley Cooper, and Tony Hale (Veep) were among those featured. Hale even admitted he had forgotten that he appeared on the show—twice.
The SAG Awards once again delivered a night full of surprises, heartfelt speeches, and well-deserved honors. If this ceremony was any indication, we’re in for an exciting Oscar season.
