BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

At the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards, the spotlight shone on standout performances in both film and television. One of the most surprising victories came from Conclave, which clinched the prestigious Ensemble Performance in a Motion Picture Award, propelling the papal thriller into the Oscars race.

This unexpected win put a dent in the momentum of Anora, which had previously dominated with accolades from the Producers and Directors Guilds.

On the individual front, Timothée Chalamet triumphed over Adrien Brody for Best Actor in a Leading Role for A Complete Unknown. Chalamet’s win marked a historic moment, as he became the youngest actor to claim this honor, surpassing Nicolas Cage’s record.

Brody, nominated for his intense performance in The Brutalist, had been considered a strong contender, but Chalamet’s captivating portrayal in A Complete Unknown caught the attention of SAG voters.

In the female acting categories, Demi Moore made a triumphant return with a Best Actress win for The Substance. Her performance resonated deeply with both critics and voters, securing her a spot as a major contender for the upcoming Oscars. In a year full of fierce competition, her comeback narrative and heartfelt performance were key factors in her success.

On the television side, Shōgun continued its dominance, taking home multiple awards, including Best Ensemble in a Drama Series. Hiroyuki Sanada’s performance in the series earned him a well-deserved Best Male Actor in a Drama Series win, cementing his position as a favorite in the upcoming awards season. The cast of Shōgun has garnered widespread praise for its immersive storytelling and strong performances, and this recognition from SAG only strengthened the show’s Oscar prospects.

In film, Conclave claimed the prestigious Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture award, a critical honor that often predicts the eventual winner at the Oscars. This recognition reflects the ensemble’s remarkable performances, with Ralph Fiennes delivering an outstanding portrayal of a complex character.

Zoe Saldaña also enjoyed a stellar night, taking home the Best Supporting Female Actor award for her role in Emilia Pérez. Her remarkable performance, which has already earned her several accolades this season, seemed unstoppable as she triumphed over formidable competitors.

In other notable moments, the cast of Only Murders in the Building claimed the Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series, and Kieran Culkin took home Best Supporting Male Actor for his powerful performance in A Real Pain. As the 2025 Oscars approach, the SAG Awards have provided a glimpse of what’s to come, with Shōgun, Conclave, and a number of individual performances setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the awards season.

The night was not without surprises, as other notable performances from The Bear and Wicked also received recognition, though the evening ultimately belonged to Shōgun, Conclave, and the standout performances from Chalamet, Moore, and Saldaña. As the Oscars approach, the SAG Awards have certainly set the stage for an exciting conclusion to this unpredictable award season.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Entertainment Weekly