The 31st SAG Awards Are Here: Essential Insights You Can’t Miss!

The 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, taking place this Sunday, promise to be a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the Academy Awards amidst a backdrop of unpredictable outcomes this awards season. With the SAG Awards playing a crucial role, their results tend to reflect the final preferences of Oscar voters, given that actors dominate the Academy’s membership.

Earlier awards such as the BAFTAs, Producers Guild Awards, and Directors Guild Awards have shaped this year’s race, making it one of the most tumultuous. Sean Baker’s “Anora” currently holds the spotlight as the favorite for best picture, buoyed by wins from both the PGA and DGA and a recent triumph at the Independent Spirit Awards. However, Edward Berger’s “Conclave,” which recently secured a BAFTA, adds further intrigue to an already dynamic field.

The SAG Awards, hosted by Kristen Bell at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, will address lingering questions: Will “Wicked” clinch the best ensemble award? Can Adrien Brody fend off Timothée Chalamet for best actor, and will Mikey Madison prevail over Demi Moore in the best actress category?

Viewers can stream the awards live on Netflix, starting at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, with a pre-show commencing an hour earlier. Last year’s event, the first on Netflix, attracted an audience of 1.8 million, comparable to past broadcasts on TNT and TBS.

This year, “Wicked” leads in film nominations with five, while the television spotlight shines on “Shōgun.” Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked” has yet to secure a major award, though the SAG typically honors mainstream favorites. Competing for best ensemble alongside “Wicked” are “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “Conclave,” and “A Complete Unknown.”

In the individual categories, competition will be fierce. Brody has enjoyed consistent success, yet both Chalamet and Ralph Fiennes remain credible threats. The equation for best actress is equally open, with either Moore or Madison poised to take honors. In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldana are seen as frontrunners.

This year’s ceremony also recognizes Jane Fonda with the SAG Life Achievement Award, celebrating her significant contributions to the industry.

Amidst these festivities, the guild will honor those affected by the devastating wildfires that erupted in January. The disaster has prompted SAG-AFTRA to launch a relief fund for impacted members and has altered the course of this year’s ceremonies.