The 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards nominations have sparked considerable buzz, characterized by unexpected snubs and triumphs, solidifying this awards season as remarkably unpredictable. The musical adaptation “Wicked” and the historical drama “Shōgun” led the nominations, each securing five nods. Notably, Jonathan Bailey’s performance in “Wicked” earned him an unexpected acting nomination. “A Complete Unknown,” the Bob Dylan biopic, garnered four nominations, while the Golden Globe favourite “Emilia Pérez” received three, including a historic nomination for Karla Sofia Gascón, the first openly transgender performer to be nominated in the SAG film categories. The Palme d’Or winner “Anora” also secured three nominations. The SAG Awards are traditionally a strong predictor for the Oscars, particularly in the acting and Best Picture categories, suggesting a potential resurgence for “Wicked” after a less-than-stellar showing at the Golden Globes, where it only received the newly minted Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award.
Several prominent films and actors were conspicuously absent from the nominations list. “Sing Sing” and “The Brutalist” were overlooked for the coveted Best Film Ensemble award, with “The Brutalist” only receiving a single nomination for Adrien Brody, despite its wins for Best Director and Best Film (Drama) at the Golden Globes. Notable snubs in the acting categories included Angelina Jolie for “Maria,” Nicole Kidman for “Babygirl,” Margaret Qualley for “The Substance,” Denzel Washington for “Gladiator II,” and surprisingly, Sebastian Stan, fresh off his Best Actor win at the Golden Globes for “A Different Man.” The announcement of the SAG nominations was delayed due to the devastating wildfires ravaging the Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas of Los Angeles.
In the film categories, “Anora,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Conclave,” “Emilia Pérez,” and “Wicked” are vying for the prestigious Film Ensemble award. The nominees for Film Actor include Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”), Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”), Daniel Craig (“Queer”), Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”), and Ralph Fiennes (“Conclave”). Competing for Film Actress are Pamela Anderson (“The Last Showgirl”), Cynthia Erivo (“Wicked”), Karla Sofía Gascón (“Emilia Pérez”), Mikey Madison (“Anora”), and Demi Moore (“The Substance”). Jonathan Bailey (“Wicked”), Yura Borisov (“Anora”), Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”), Edward Norton (“A Complete Unknown”), and Jeremy Strong (“The Apprentice”) are nominated for Film Supporting Actor. The Film Supporting Actress category features Monica Barbaro (“A Complete Unknown”), Jamie Lee Curtis (“The Last Showgirl”), Danielle Deadwyler (“The Piano Lesson”), Ariana Grande (“Wicked”), and Zoe Saldana (“Emilia Pérez”). “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Dune: Part Two,” “The Fall Guy,” “Gladiator II,” and “Wicked” round out the nominees for Film Stunt Ensemble.
The television categories also showcase a diverse range of performances and ensembles. “Bridgerton,” “The Day of the Jackal,” “The Diplomat,” “Shōgun,” and “Slow Horses” are nominated for Drama Series Ensemble. The Comedy Series Ensemble category includes “Abbott Elementary,” “The Bear,” “Hacks,” “Only Murders in the Building,” and “Shrinking.” Competing for Limited Series/Movie Actor are Javier Bardem (“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”), Colin Farrell (“The Penguin”), Richard Gadd (“Baby Reindeer”), Kevin Kline (“Disclaimer”), and Andrew Scott (“Ripley”). The nominees for Limited Series/Movie Actress include Katy Bates (“The Great Lillian Hall”), Cate Blanchett (“Disclaimer”), Jodie Foster (“True Detective: Night Country”), Lily Gladstone (“Under the Bridge”), Jessica Gunning (“Baby Reindeer”), and Cristin Milioti (“The Penguin”).
The Drama Actor category features Tadanobu Asano (“Shōgun”), Jeff Bridges (“The Old Man”), Gary Oldman (“Slow Horses”), Eddie Redmayne (“The Day of the Jackal”), and Hiroyuki Sanada (“Shōgun”). The nominees for Drama Actress are Kathy Bates (“Matlock”), Nicola Coughlan (“Bridgerton”), Allison Janney (“The Diplomat”), Keri Russell (“The Diplomat”), and Anna Sawai (“Shōgun”). Adam Brody (“Nobody Wants This”), Ted Danson (“A Man on the Inside”), Harrison Ford (“Shrinking”), Martin Short (“Only Murders in the Building”), and Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear”) are nominated for Comedy Actor. The Comedy Actress category includes Kristen Bell (“Nobody Wants This”), Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”), Liza Colon-Zayas (“The Bear”), Ayo Edebiri (“The Bear”), and Jean Smart (“Hacks”). Finally, “The Boys,” “Fallout,” “House of the Dragon,” “The Penguin,” and “Shōgun” are nominated for TV Stunt Ensemble. The 31st annual SAG Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 23rd.
Throughout the nominations, “Wicked” emerges as a strong contender, leading the film categories with five nominations and positioning itself as a potential front-runner for the upcoming Oscars. The historical nominations for “Emilia Pérez” and Karla Sofía Gascón mark a significant moment for transgender representation in the industry. The snubs of high-profile actors and films contribute to the unpredictable nature of this awards season, leaving audiences and critics anticipating the final outcomes with heightened interest. The SAG Awards ceremony promises to be a night of celebration and recognition for outstanding achievements in film and television, further shaping the narrative of the 2025 awards season.
The diverse range of nominees reflects the evolving landscape of entertainment, showcasing both established stars and emerging talent. The nominations also highlight the increasing prominence of streaming platforms and limited series, demonstrating their growing influence in the industry. While the SAG Awards offer valuable insights into potential Oscar contenders, the ultimate outcome remains uncertain, adding to the excitement and suspense surrounding the upcoming awards season. The ceremony itself will undoubtedly be a star-studded affair, with industry luminaries gathering to celebrate the year’s best performances and contributions to film and television.
The SAG Awards, with their focus on ensemble casts and stunt performers, offer a unique perspective on the collaborative nature of filmmaking and television production. The nominations underscore the importance of teamwork and the contributions of all individuals involved in bringing these stories to life. The awards also serve as a platform for recognizing and promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry. As the awards season progresses, the SAG Awards will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and influencing the outcomes of other prestigious awards ceremonies. The February 23rd ceremony promises to be a memorable event, celebrating the artistry and dedication of the talented individuals who bring these stories to life.
