Conclave dominated the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, winning the best ensemble cast award on Sunday. This victory sets the stage for a competitive Oscars race with just a week left before the big event.
The film, which showcases the intrigues of cardinals in Rome, also claimed the top prize for best film at last week’s BAFTAs. Ralph Fiennes, one of the film’s stars, expressed gratitude to director Edward Berger, praising his “perception, insight, and care.” Meanwhile, co-star Isabella Rossellini took a moment to wish Pope Francis well, as he was recently diagnosed with pneumonia.
SAG awards are determined by actors for actors, and Fiennes acknowledged the significance of community in their work. While Conclave didn’t snag any other awards, its primary win boosts its profile ahead of the Oscars on March 2.
This awards season has been unpredictable, with different films winning various accolades. Notable competitors include The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, both of which picked up Golden Globes. Anora has also been a strong contender at various industry guild awards.
Demi Moore’s performance in The Substance earned her the best actress award, adding excitement to an already tight race against newcomer Mikey Madison, who won at the BAFTAs. When accepting her award, Moore reflected on how receiving her SAG card at 15 changed her life, providing direction and meaning to her career.
Timothée Chalamet surprised many by winning best actor for his portrayal of Bob Dylan, a role he dedicated five-and-a-half years to. He emphasized his commitment to greatness, expressing his desire to be one of the greats in the industry.
Kieran Culkin won best supporting actor for his role in A Real Pain, expressing gratitude in a humorous speech where he thanked the director’s sister for recommending him. He took pride in the honor, reflecting on the nature of collaborations in acting.
Zoe Saldaña continued her winning streak in the supporting actress category with her performance in the musical Emilia Pérez. She emphasized the importance of authenticity and storytelling, believing every actor has the right to express themselves fully.
Jane Fonda was awarded the SAG Life Achievement Award, a prestigious honor. In her inspiring speech, she highlighted the power of acting to change perspectives and emphasized the importance of community and support among workers during turbulent times.
The SAG Awards were hosted by Kristen Bell, who welcomed Los Angeles firefighters in recognition of their service during recent wildfires. The event celebrated not just the achievements in film and television, but also the resilience of communities.
