The SAG Awards is one of the only ceremonies that doesn’t use an official host. They let the presenters carry the show.
The program opened with guest’s sitting at tables giving a short speech about their acting experience and ending by saying, “I am an actor.” Jeffery Tambor said he was so proud to be an actor. Anna Chlumsky said, “I’m an actor.” Kunal Nayyar said, “I’m so proud to be an actor.” Rami Malek said, “I’m not insane, I’m an actor.” And Queen Latifah also took part and said, “I’m an actor.”
The SAG Award Goes to …
The program moved to the stage as Kristen Wiig and Jon Hamm opened the show with the first award for Outstanding Female Actor in a Comedy Series. The SAG Award went to Uzo Aduba for Orange is the New Black. It is her second win in this category. She thanked everyone – the Guild, her family, and friends, the cast, and ended by encouraging upcoming actors to keep working at it, “You have a chance.”
Jason Bateman and Sarah Silverman were the next presenters. Sarah acted like she couldn’t read the prompter and put on a pair of glasses and a fake mustache to finish. They presented the category of Outstanding Male Actor in a Comedy Series, and the 2016 SAG Award went to Jeffrey Tambor for Transparent. This is his first win in this category. He thanked Amazon, his wife and dedicated his award to people who don’t have the advantages like his character.
Christian Bale and Steve Carell were the next presenters and introduced a clip from the Big Short.
Patricia Arquette and J.K. Simmons took the stage next for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, and the SAG Award went to Orange is the New Black. It was the second win for the cast.
Jeremy Renner came next to present the category of Outstanding Female Actor in a Supporting Role, and the SAG Award went to Alicia Vikander for The Danish Girl.
The Straight Outta Compton cast O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell introduced a clip from their movie.
The music played for the next presenter but she came to the stage a bit late. The category was Outstanding Male Actor in a Supporting Role, and the award went to Idris Elba for Beasts of No Nation. “We made a film about real people and real lives. Thank you!”
SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard welcomed the audience to the awards. He said the SAG-AFTRA foundation offers many programs to actors and young people for 30 years. He then introduced a video tribute to union members highlighting being an actor.
Anna Faris and Anthony Mackie were the next presenters. They gave a quick tribute to the men and women in military service before announcing the category of Female Actor in a Television or Movie Series. The SAG Award went to Queen Latifah for Bessie. She looked shocked as she took the stage to receive the statue. She used it as a barbell before saying, “Oh my God I’m in shock right now. Thank you so much!”
Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, and Mark Ruffalo introduced a clip from Spotlight.
Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay followed. They introduced the nominees for Outstanding Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries. The award went to Idris Elba for Luther. His second win of the evening. He was at a loss for words and said, “I really don’t know what to say. Two wins in one night, that’s incredible.”
Diane Lane, Bryan Cranston and Helen Mirren from the cast of Trumbo introduced a clip from the film.
Life Achievement Award
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler took the honor of presenting SAG’s Life Achievement Award to comedy trailblazer Carol Burnett. It was so great to see Carol Burnett win this much-deserved recognition. Amy summed it all up by saying, “Carol is better than all of us. We’re going to give her a prize for it.” They introduced a video of some of her clips, then Carol took the stage to a rousing standing ovation with a little help from Steve Carell. She told Tina and Amy, “You guys are the whole bowl of wax. Thank you.” She acknowledged Bob Mackie in the audience. She also gave shout-outs to her famous cast members, and to SAG-AFTRA, then ended by saying, “I’m so glad we had this time together. Thank you.”
Taye Diggs and Eva Longoria announced the category of Outstanding Female Actor in a Drama Series and the SAG Award went to Viola Davis for How to Get Away with Murder. This was her second win in this category. Viola said of being a part of the cast, “It has been the joy and pleasure of my life. Thank you so much.”
Idris Elba and Abraham Attah introduced a clip from their film Beasts of No Nation. Idris joked by saying, “Welcome to Diverse TV,” probably a little shade toward the Academy Awards and a salute to the winners of the evening.
Kevin Spacey was the next big winner of the evening in the category of Outstanding Male Actor in a Drama Series for House of Cards. This is his second win in this category.
Susan Sarandon was next and introduced the Memoriam section of the broadcast. Its’ always so surprising how many wonderful performers we’ve lost.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Keegan-Michael Key introduced the category of Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series, and the award went to the cast of Downton Abbey. It was their third win in this category.
Eddie Redmayne announced the nominees in the category of Outstanding Female Actor in a Leading Role. The SAG Award went to Brie Larson for Room.
Julianne Moore announced the Outstanding Male Actor in a Leading Role, and the SAG Award went to Leonardo DiCaprio for The Revenant. This was his first win after nine nominations. He received a standing ovation. “This means so much to me. Thank you so very much.” He also thanked the director for his creative genius, and he thanked his parents for his career.
Demi Moore announced the final award of the evening for Outstanding Award for the Cast in a Motion Picture. Spotlight took the top award, a major surprise for the cast. Mark Ruffalo said, “No way!” Wow, I was not expecting this.”
Michael Keaton finished their acceptance speech by saying, “This is really for the disenfranchised all over the world.” “There’s fair and their unfair and I’m always going to vote for the good guys.”
Demi Moore closed the program with, “For the Screen Actors Guild, goodnight.”
The Academy Awards needs to take a page out of the book of the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Look, listen and learn.
The 2016 SAG Awards and their Red Carpet are one of my favorite events of the year. Bravo! Good job! Now on to the after parties.
Tanya Hart