Kristen Bell made history by becoming the first-ever SAG Awards host in the ceremony’s 23-year history.
The 24th Screen Actors Guild Awards opened as usual with actors in the audience sharing an actors life story and ending by saying their name and, “I’m an actor.” Allison Janney was first, followed by Tracee Ellis Ross, Millie Bobby Brown and ending with Kristen Bell stating, “I’m a narcissist” before welcoming everyone to the broadcast.
Kristen said this awards show is, “For actors by actors” and told tales of struggling actors. She followed with encouragement to them and said this show is to entice the struggling actors of the world to stick around.
She joked about Frozen Two coming out in 2019 and then introduced Maya Rudolph. Together they present the category for Best Male Actor in a Comedy Series and the SAG Award went to William H. Macy for Shameless. This was his third SAG win. “Thank you, my fellow actors.”
The next category was Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series. The Screen Actors Guild Award went to Julia Louis-Dreyfus for Veep. Julia couldn’t be there and the award was accepted for her.
The category of Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy series was next and the SAG Award went to Veep. The first win for the fifteen actor ensemble.
Sarah Silverman announced the nominees for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role and the SAG went to Allison Janney for I Tonya. It was her seventh SAG win.
Up next was Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role and the SAG Award went to Sam Rockwell for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series went to Alexander Skarsgard for Big Little Lies. He said he was shocked, humbled and infinity grateful.
Kristen looked like she was gushing over her husband Dax Shepard as he sat beside her in the audience, but instead, she turned to honor Greta Matassa – Gershwin Medley.
SAG President – “This is a movement”
Gabriella Caterix the president of SAG came to the stage and said she was inspired and said, truth is power and women are stepping into their power.
“Time is up. We are making a difference. You are making a difference.”
“This is no longer time. This is a movement.”
“We are the collective voice lifting up the individual.”
Marisa Tomei congratulated Rosanna Arquette for being one of the silence breakers before they announced the nominees for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries and the SAG Award went to Nicole Kidman for Big Little Lies. It was her first SAG win. “Yikes, I’m crying.” She said she’s been working since she was 14 years old. “To receive this at this stage in my life is extraordinary.”
She congratulated her friends nominated and thanked them for their trailblazing performances. “We are potent and powerful and viable.” She said women have proven they can do it. And she ended with, “To my family, I am nothing without you.”
Morgan Freeman, Lifetime Achievement Award
The first standing ovation of the night went to Rita Moreno, “Oh my God that’s a lot of love, but I can take it.” She presented Morgan Freeman with the Screen Actors Guild Awards Life Time Achievement Award. She said Morgan Freeman presented this same award to her. After the video round-up of clips from his incredible career, the audience gave another standing ovation to Morgan Freeman as Rita called him to the stage.
Rita made him lift the baseball cap he was wearing so people could see him better, and he said: “You don’t know how long I had to put up with that.”
He said he can’t thank everyone, because he doesn’t know everyone’s name, but he did thank SAG/AFTRA. He ended his speech with, “This is beyond honor. This is a place in history.”
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Kristen said she was nervous about being the host at first, but realized this is a room of actors and everyone is thinking about themselves. She called out Meryl Streep’s name just to get a reaction and the audience gave a standing ovation before she said, “You guys she’s not even her, but keep that applause going for Olivia Munn and Niecy Nash.”
Olivia and Niecy presented the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series, and the Screen Actors Guild Award went to Sterling K. Brown for This Is Us. Sterling has been collecting awards for this role since the program began.
He said, “What a blessing to do what you love for a living.” “What an honor it is to be recognized by your peers for a job you have done.”
He thanked his wife, and the cast before they played him off.
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Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama went to Claire Foy for The Crown.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards In Memoriam segment followed. It’s always so surprising to see who we’ve lost. So many we may not have known have passed on.
This Is Us Keeps Winning
Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson, the mother and daughter duo presented the award for Outstanding Performance of an Ensemble in a Drama Series, and the Screen Actors Guild Award went to This Is Us. The cast went crazy!
“We love you. Thank you very much!”
Geena Davis was next to present Outstanding Male Actor in a Leading Role, and the SAG Award went to Gary Oldman for Darkest Hour. He was very choked up when he began his acceptance speech. “There are giants of acting in this room tonight.” “I am so deeply, deeply honored to receive this magnificent award. Thank you, thank you.”
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Takes the Lead
Halle Berry presented the award for Outstanding Female Actor in a Leading Role, and the Screen Actors Guild Award went to Frances McDormand for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. It was her third win. She was very ramped up and said, “I’ve got a couple of things to say.” She thanked Martin for writing a masterpiece and allowing the actors to bring their abilities to the film.
Brie Larson and Lupita Nyong’o presented the award Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Brie mentioned that there will be new conduct on set spurred on by the current climate, (let’s hope so) before announcing the nominees. The Screen Actors Guild Award went to Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
The 24th Screen Actors Guild Awards was truly a big night for Three Billboards and This Is Us.
Congrats to all of the 24th Screen Actors Guild Awards winners!
Tanya Hart
Follow me on Twitter at @TanyaHollywood