2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Film and Television

A Night of Triumph and Surprises: Major Wins at the SAG Awards

The 2023 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, held just a week before the Oscars, delivered a night filled with excitement, surprises, and powerful moments. The ceremony, a cornerstone of the awards season, celebrated outstanding performances in both film and television, voted on by members of the SAG-AFTRA union. This year, the competition was fierce, and the winners included both established stars and rising talents.

One of the most anticipated categories was Best Actress, where Demi Moore took home the award for her chilling performance in the body horror film The Substance. Moore, who has had a long and illustrious career, continued her winning streak after a series of critically acclaimed roles. Her victory marks her first SAG Award and puts her in a strong position for the upcoming Oscars.

On the other hand, Timothée Chalamet, the 29-year-old actor known for his intense dedication to his craft, won Best Actor for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. Chalamet’s win was met with surprise and admiration, as he had been neck-and-neck with Adrien Brody, who was favored for his role in The Brutalist. With this win, Chalamet solidifies his place as one of Hollywood’s most promising young actors and sets himself up as a strong contender for his first Academy Award.

A Night of Drama and Ensemble Excellence

The evening also saw the papal thriller Conclave take home the top film prize for Best Ensemble. Starring an impressive cast, including Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, and Stanley Tucci, the film delves into the intricate and dramatic process of selecting a new pope. The win follows the film’s success at the BAFTAs earlier this month, further cementing its reputation as one of the standout films of the year.

During the ceremony, Rossellini took a moment to send well wishes to Pope Francis, who is currently hospitalized with pneumonia and bronchitis. The cast expressed their hopes for his speedy recovery, adding a touching and humanizing moment to the proceedings. This gesture underscored the deep connection between art and reality, as the film’s themes resonated with real-world events.

The supporting categories also followed the trend of the 2025 awards season, with Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldana continuing their winning streaks. Culkin won for his role in A Real Pain, while Saldana took home the award for Emilia Perez. Both actors have been widely praised for their nuanced performances, and their wins at the SAG Awards further solidify their status as talented performers.

Passion and Ambition Take Center Stage

The SAG Awards are not just about recognizing talent; they are also a platform for actors to share their stories and aspirations. Timothée Chalamet, in his acceptance speech, opened up about the five-and-a-half years he dedicated to portraying Bob Dylan, calling it the “honor of a lifetime.” He also spoke candidly about his ambitions, stating, “I want to be one of the greats.” His words resonated with the audience, as they highlighted the passion and dedication required to excel in the craft of acting.

Demi Moore, who joined SAG-AFTRA as a teenager in 1978, reflected on how the union gave her a sense of purpose early in her career. “I was a kid on my own who had no blueprint for life,” she shared, emphasizing the impact of the organization on her journey. Her speech served as a reminder of the importance of community and support in the film industry.

A Call to Action: Jane Fonda’s Powerful Message

One of the most memorable moments of the night came when Jane Fonda, the 87-year-old actress and activist, was honored with the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award. Known for her advocacy on social and environmental issues, Fonda delivered a passionate speech that urged the audience to take action. “We are in our documentary moment,” she declared. “This is it. And it’s not a rehearsal.” She also addressed the term “woke,” defining it as caring deeply about others and the world we live in. Her words were met with a standing ovation, as they resonated with the values of empathy and activism that define so much of her work.

Fonda’s speech added a layer of depth to the ceremony, reminding everyone in attendance that the power of storytelling extends beyond the screen. It was a powerful reminder that actors, as public figures, have the ability to influence and inspire change.

Television Shines Bright: A Night of Drama and Comedy

The SAG Awards also celebrated the best in television, with several standout series taking home top prizes. In the drama categories, the Japanese historical epic Shogun claimed the award for Best Ensemble in a Drama Series. The show’s stars, Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, also won Best Actor and Best Actress in a Drama Series, respectively, for their compelling performances.

On the comedy front, Only Murders in the Building continued its winning streak, taking home the award for Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Star Martin Short also won Best Actor in a Comedy Series for his hilarious portrayal of a true-crime podcaster. Despite the lighthearted nature of the show, the win underscored the depth and complexity of the performances, proving that comedy can be both entertaining and impactful.

In the limited series category, British actress Jessica Gunning won Best Actress for her role in Baby Reindeer, while Irish star Colin Farrell took home Best Actor for his performance in The Penguin. Both wins highlighted the diversity and talent present in the world of television.

A Bittersweet Celebration: Jean Smart’s Absence and Legacy

One of the more bittersweet moments of the evening came when Jean Smart was awarded Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Hacks. Smart, who had previously called for the cancellation of awards shows due to the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, did not attend the ceremony. However, she contributed a recorded introduction, showcasing her commitment to her craft even in challenging times.

Smart’s absence was a poignant reminder of the broader issues affecting the world, as well as the resilience of the entertainment industry. Her win, despite her absence, was a testament to her talent and the enduring appeal of her performance. Hacks, which explores the complexities of aging, identity, and relationships, has become a favorite among audiences and critics alike, and Smart’s portrayal of a aging comedian continues to captivate.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Acting and the Power of Storytelling

The 2023 SAG Awards was a night of celebration, triumph, and reflection. From the emotional speeches of Timothée Chalamet and Demi Moore to the powerful message of Jane Fonda, the ceremony highlighted the best of the film and television industry. It was a reminder of the power of storytelling to move, inspire, and unite us.

As the awards season progresses, the SAG Awards have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable Oscar race. Whether it’s the dramatic flair of Conclave or the heartfelt performances of its winners, this year’s ceremony will be remembered for its celebration of talent, passion, and the enduring magic of the entertainment industry.