The Oppenheimer Dominance: Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards Winners Revealed!
By Steven McIntosh, Entertainment reporter | 2 hours ago
Cillian Murphy said it was “extremely special” to win an award voted for by fellow actors
Oppenheimer continued its dominance of awards season as it scored several major prizes at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on Saturday.
Christopher Nolan’s film, Oppenheimer, emerged as the big winner at the prestigious SAG Awards, bagging multiple significant prizes. The film secured the coveted Best Film Cast award and individual acting prizes for its talented stars, Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr.
Sir Kenneth Branagh, who accepted the top prize on behalf of the cast, expressed the entire team’s deep gratitude and pride. The night, set amidst the ongoing backdrop of the previous year’s actors’ strike, provided the perfect platform for recognition.
Sir Kenneth, in his acceptance speech, acknowledged the support and sacrifice of Sag-Aftra members, stating, “Thank you for fighting for us, thank you for every Sag-Aftra member whose support and whose sacrifice allows us to be standing here better than we were before.”
The Rise of Oppenheimer: Oscars Success Likely
Sir Kenneth Branagh accepted the night’s top prize on behalf of the cast of Oppenheimer
With consistent victories at the SAG Awards and other precursor ceremonies, Oppenheimer seems poised to win the Best Picture at the upcoming Oscars. The absence of a Best Picture category at the SAG Awards makes Best Film Cast the top honor, and Oppenheimer took home this esteemed prize, further solidifying its chances at the Oscars.
Among the individual awards, Cillian Murphy’s victory as Best Actor provides significant momentum to his Oscars campaign. Murphy, known for his acclaimed role in The Holdovers, becomes a formidable frontrunner, edging out his nearest contender, Paul Giamatti.
Lily Gladstone’s Rising Star
Lily Gladstone’s Best Actress win gives her Oscars campaign a significant boost
Lily Gladstone, the breakout star of Killers of the Flower Moon, clinched the Best Leading Actress award, providing a significant boost to her Oscars campaign. In her acceptance speech, Gladstone commended the collective union’s solidarity during challenging times.
She proclaimed her gratitude for the privilege of being an actor, emphasizing the power of storytelling and the role of actors in bringing empathy and visibility to the world. With her win, the Best Actress category at the Oscars becomes a closely contested race, particularly after Emma Stone’s recent victory at the Baftas.
Supporting Roles Garner Accolades
The Holdovers star Da’Vine Joy Randolph continued her sweep of the best supporting actress category
Da’Vine Joy Randolph of The Holdovers proved her acting prowess once again as she bagged the Best Supporting Actress award, adding to her numerous victories this award season. Randolph’s triumph places her as the clear front runner for the coveted award at the Oscars.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, she expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to work as an actor, reflecting on the profound impact performers can have by living multiple lives and touching the hearts of countless people.
Completing the ensemble of extraordinary performances, Robert Downey Jr. from Oppenheimer was named Best Supporting Actor. Downey Jr., acknowledging his front-runner status, humorously pondered the reasons for his recent successes.
Television Highlights: Succession and The Bear Take the Lead
Alan Ruck accepted the top prize in the TV categories on behalf of the cast of Succession
Television favorites also had their moment in the spotlight, with Succession and The Bear emerging as strongest contenders. The Bear claimed the Best Ensemble Comedy Cast, and Succession won Best Ensemble Drama Cast, affirming the exceptional performances exhibited in both series’ latest seasons.
Alan Ruck, who plays a pivotal role on Succession, affectionately recognized the deep bonds forged during the show’s production and affirmed its rightful place among the best in television.
Unforgettable Moments and Tributes
The Devil Wears Prada stars Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway
The star-studded event was punctuated by countless memorable moments and remarkable reunions. Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Anne Hathaway, the stars of The Devil Wears Prada, brought an unforgettable reunion to the stage, delighting the audience with a joyful sketch.
Notable cast reunions occurred when Melissa McCarthy invited Billie Eilish on stage, the casts of Modern Family and Breaking Bad also shared the stage to present awards.
Idris Elba Lights Up the Stage
Idris Elba speaks onstage during the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
Idris Elba, the charismatic host of the SAG Awards, began the evening by acknowledging the milestone of the event being streamed on Netflix for the very first time, playfully remarking on how Netflix would recommend the show to him.
Addressing the challenges faced by actors during the recent strike, Elba expressed heartfelt admiration for the solidarity demonstrated by industry members and viewers worldwide.
While acknowledging the newfound freedom in speech allowed by the streaming format, Elba playfully urged restraint, advising actors to keep their acceptance speeches in check, offering some humor with the notion of not going “full Succession level.”
The Ilustrious Barbara Streisand Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
Streisand said it was “a privilege to be part of this profession” as she collected her Lifetime Achievement prize
Legendary singer and actress, Barbara Streisand, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement prize, with Jennifer Aniston and Bradley Cooper presenting her with this prestigious honor.
Jennifer Aniston highlighted Streisand’s indomitable spirit, remarking that she had not only paved the way for women but “bulldozed” it. Streisand, as she accepted the Lifetime Achievement award, humorously noted that the delightfulness of the award decidedly stems from the certainty of receiving it.
Streisand fondly recalled her childhood dreams, recounting the relentless pursuit of acting against societal expectations. She underscored the privilege of their profession and the magic of film, as they provide a brief respite from reality and share powerful stories.
Her heartfelt recognition of her fellow actors and directors during the ceremony showcased her profound love for the magical world of storytelling and film.
A Night of Celebrations and Remembrance
Apart from all the memorable wins and reunions, the SAG Awards honored beloved figures in the industry during the In Memoriam segment. Among the celebrated figures were Matthew Perry, Harry Belafonte, Sir Michael Gambon, Tina Turner, Angus Cloud, Glenda Jackson, Alan Arkin, Julian Sands, Lance Reddick, Lee Sun-kyun, Tom Wilkinson, Andre Braugher, and Chita Rivera.
