The nominees for the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards) were announced on January 8, raising the anticipation for the awards season. The 31st edition of the event, scheduled for February 23, will be streamed live on Netflix and hosted by actress Kristen Bell. Leading the nominations are Wicked and Shōgun: The Glorious Saga of Japan, each with five nods, reaffirming their impact on the entertainment industry. However, the absence of Fernanda Torres, who recently won a Golden Globe for her performance in I’m Still Here, sparked debate and surprise among critics and fans alike.
The SAG Awards is one of Hollywood’s most prestigious accolades, granted by the Screen Actors Guild of the United States. Unlike other ceremonies, its winners are exclusively chosen by actors themselves, lending significant weight to the awards. Furthermore, the event honors both film and television achievements, showcasing a wide range of talents and productions.
This year’s nominees reflect the diversity and excellence of contemporary productions. With names like Cynthia Erivo, Timothée Chalamet, and Ariana Grande among the contenders, the SAG Awards promise a night celebrating artistic talent and unexpected twists.
Cinema’s major highlights
The SAG Awards 2025 film categories feature a robust list of nominees. Competing for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture are five impactful productions: A Complete Stranger, Anora, Conclave, Emilia Pérez, and Wicked. Each of these films delivered compelling narratives and exceptional ensemble performances that captivated both critics and audiences.
The Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role category features fierce competition. Nominees include Adrien Brody for his role in The Brutalist; Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Stranger; Daniel Craig in Queer; Colman Domingo for Sing Sing; and Ralph Fiennes in Conclave. These performances stood out for their depth and the actors’ remarkable dedication, earning them their nominations.
In the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role category, contenders include Pamela Anderson (The Last Showgirl), Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), and Demi Moore (The Substance). Mikey Madison (Anora) and Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez) round out the list, showcasing diverse and impactful productions.
The impact of television categories
On the television side, the SAG Awards celebrate talent in both drama and comedy series. The Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series category features acclaimed productions like Bridgerton, The Day of the Jackal, The Diplomat, Shōgun: The Glorious Saga of Japan, and Slow Horses.
The Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series category highlights heavyweights like Kathy Bates (Matlock), Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton), and Anna Sawai (Shōgun: The Glorious Saga of Japan). Performances by Allison Janney and Keri Russell, both in The Diplomat, also earned them spots among the nominees.
In comedy, series like Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, and Only Murders in the Building stand out in the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble category. Individual nominees include Kristen Bell, Quinta Brunson, and Jeremy Allen White, recognized for their standout roles.
Complete list of nominees in key categories
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
- A Complete Stranger
- Anora
- Conclave
- Emilia Pérez
- Wicked
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
- Adrien Brody – The Brutalist
- Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Stranger
- Daniel Craig – Queer
- Colman Domingo – Sing Sing
- Ralph Fiennes – Conclave
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
- Pamela Anderson – The Last Showgirl
- Cynthia Erivo – Wicked
- Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez
- Mikey Madison – Anora
- Demi Moore – The Substance
Curiosities and historical milestones of the SAG Awards
Founded in 1995, the SAG Awards quickly established itself as one of Hollywood’s most significant ceremonies. The event is uniquely respected for being entirely voted on by actors, adding unparalleled prestige to its winners.
Interestingly, SAG Awards winners often go on to win Oscars, highlighting its status as a key predictor for the Academy Awards. In 2024, for example, 80% of SAG Awards film winners repeated their success at the Oscars, a record that underscores the connection between the two ceremonies.
Additionally, the SAG Awards pioneered the inclusion of stunt ensemble categories, recognizing the importance of this segment in film and television. In 2007, the award was first presented to the stunt team of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.
The weight of absences and surprises in the nominations
The exclusion of Fernanda Torres from the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role category, despite her Golden Globe win in 2025, sparked heated discussions. Her portrayal in I’m Still Here was widely praised, making her absence one of the biggest surprises of the edition.
Another notable omission was the limited representation of independent films, which, despite critical acclaim, often struggle to compete with larger productions in major award categories.
Expectations for the 2025 ceremony
The 2025 SAG Awards ceremony promises to be an evening of celebration and emotion. With Kristen Bell as the host, the event will blend special tributes with the announcement of winners. Actress Jane Fonda will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring her extraordinary contributions to film and television.
The ceremony will take place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, a historic venue that has hosted many prominent awards ceremonies.
Future outlook and the impact of the SAG Awards
As one of the most important awards in the Hollywood calendar, the SAG Awards continues to grow in relevance. Television categories, in particular, reflect the rising quality and diversity in productions, while cinema remains the ultimate stage for showcasing industry talent.
The SAG Awards is not just a celebration of talent but also a platform for discussing significant issues such as representation and innovation. The 2025 edition will undoubtedly add another memorable chapter to its storied history.
