The 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards brought an array of surprises, diverging from recent trends set by other prestigious ceremonies. Despite a string of accolades for Anora, including Critics Choice and Independent Spirit Awards, the film was notably absent from the winners' list. Meanwhile, Conclave claimed the best cast award, and Timothée Chalamet emerged victorious in the best actor category for his role in A Complete Unknown. In television, Only Murders in the Building and Martin Short achieved unexpected triumphs, while favorites like The Bear went home empty-handed.
Anora's Struggles Amidst a String of Wins
Despite its impressive run of victories at various award shows, Anora faced an unexpected setback at the 2025 SAG Awards. Star Mikey Madison, who had previously won accolades at BAFTAs and the Independent Spirit Awards, did not secure a win. Instead, she made her presence felt through an emotional speech during the "I'm an actor" segment and humorous moments presenting clips with co-stars Mark Eydelshteyn and Yura Borisov. This contrast between her earlier successes and the current outcome highlighted the unpredictable nature of awards ceremonies.
Anora’s ensemble cast, which included Madison and Borisov, who was nominated for best supporting actor, failed to secure any wins at the SAG Awards. This stark contrast to their previous triumphs underscores the variability in judging criteria across different platforms. While Anora had been celebrated at Critics Choice, Producers Guild, Directors Guild, Writers Guild, and Independent Spirit Awards, its exclusion at the SAG Awards came as a shock. The film's director, Sean Baker, had also received significant recognition for his work on Anora, further emphasizing the film's overall quality and critical acclaim. Yet, this night belonged to other contenders, leaving Anora's team to reflect on the mixed reception from various industry bodies.
Shifting Dynamics in Film and Television
In the world of film, Conclave took home the coveted best cast award, marking a significant achievement following its BAFTA win for best film. Timothée Chalamet’s victory in the best actor category for A Complete Unknown was particularly noteworthy, as it marked his first major win for portraying Bob Dylan in the rock biopic. This success came despite strong competition from Adrien Brody, who had previously won best actor at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and BAFTAs. Both actors are now vying for the best actor Oscar, adding another layer of anticipation to the upcoming ceremony.
On the television front, Only Murders in the Building and Martin Short secured surprise wins, beating out favorites such as Hacks and The Bear. Short’s win for actor in a comedy series was especially remarkable given that he missed the event due to illness. Meanwhile, The Bear, which had been a favorite in the comedy categories, left the SAG Awards without any wins despite its four nominations. This shift in fortune highlights the competitive and often unpredictable nature of award shows, where past performance does not always guarantee future success. The evening showcased a reordering of expectations, with some established favorites facing unexpected setbacks while others enjoyed surprising victories.