Conclave and Moore get Oscars boost at SAG Awards

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards took place on Sunday, and they were filled with excitement and surprises! The standout film of the night was Conclave, which took home the prestigious award for best ensemble cast. This film, which revolves around a group of scheming and gossiping cardinals in Rome, has been gaining momentum in the awards season, especially after winning best film at the BAFTAs just a week prior. Ralph Fiennes, a well-known British actor, accepted the award on behalf of the cast and expressed his gratitude to director Edward Berger for his 'perception, insight, and care. ' He also took a moment to wish Pope Francis a speedy recovery, showing the cast's thoughtfulness. The SAG Awards are unique because the winners are chosen by fellow actors, making the recognition even more special. Fiennes emphasized the importance of community in their work, stating, 'We do recognize the supreme importance of community in our work and in the world. ' This highlights the strong bonds that actors share with one another. The competition for the best picture this year is incredibly tight. Other films like The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez have also made waves in the awards circuit, with wins at the Golden Globes and other industry events. Conclave's victory at the SAG Awards positions it strongly as we approach the Oscars on March 2. Demi Moore was another highlight of the evening, winning the award for her role in The Substance, where she portrays an aging aerobics instructor trying to maintain her relevance in a youth-obsessed world. As she accepted her award, Demi expressed her deep appreciation for the honor, saying, 'This is extraordinary, and so deeply meaningful. ' She shared a heartfelt story about how receiving her first SAG card at the age of 15 changed her life, giving her a sense of purpose and direction. Demi reflected on her journey, stating, 'I was a kid on my own who had no blueprint for life, and I certainly knew nothing about acting. But I watched, and I listened and I learned from all of you. ' This shows her gratitude towards the acting community that has supported her throughout her career. Timothée Chalamet also made headlines by winning the best actor award for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. His win was unexpected, as he beat out Adrien Brody, who had been a favorite throughout the awards season. In his acceptance speech, Timothée shared the dedication he put into the role, saying, 'I know the classiest thing would be to downplay the effort that went into this role and how much this means to me. But the truth is, this was five-and-a-half years of my life, I poured everything I have into playing this incomparable artist, Mr. Bob Dylan, an American hero. ' His passion for acting and desire to achieve greatness were evident as he concluded, 'This doesn't signify that, but it's a little more fuel, a little more ammo to keep going. ' Kieran Culkin, known for his role in A Real Pain, won the best supporting actor award and delivered a humorous acceptance speech. He thanked the sister of his director, Jesse Eisenberg, for recommending him for the role, jokingly saying, 'Thank you Sag-Aftra for this incredibly heavy award. ' His lightheartedness brought laughter to the audience, and he expressed his gratitude for being cast without an audition. Zoe Saldaña continued her winning streak in the supporting actress category for her performance in the Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez, which tells the story of a Mexican drug lord who changes gender. She expressed pride in being part of a union that allows her to be true to herself, stating, 'I believe everyone has the right to be who we are, and Emilia Pérez is about truth and it's about love. ' This highlights the importance of representation and storytelling in the industry. The SAG Awards were not just about the winners; they were a celebration of the entire acting community. Colin Farrell won for his role in the TV series The Penguin and made a lighthearted comment about giving someone Covid at the Golden Globes. He reflected on the importance of being an actor, saying, 'You don't get to fully grow up, you get to keep the dream of a child alive to try to figure out what it is to be human. ' This sentiment resonated with many in the audience. Jessica Gunning won for her role in Baby Reindeer, and she expressed her gratitude for being in the room with so many talented individuals. She shared her journey from working in an office to achieving her dreams as an actress, emphasizing the significance of hard work and perseverance. The night was filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt speeches, reminding everyone of the power of storytelling and the connections formed through the art of acting. The SAG Awards serve as a celebration of the dedication and talent within the acting community, showcasing the importance of collaboration and support among artists.