The 2025 SAG Awards were brisk and joyous, honoring the award season’s hottest performances one week before the Oscars. But the night was also a tribute to everything from actors’ less-than-glam early roles to the rite of passage that is a guest spot on one of the many “Law & Order” series. While much of the evening went according to plan — at least according to the pundits — there were some snubs and surprises that kept things interesting.
Surprise: Timothée Chalamet nabs competitive best male actor in a leading role statue
The Actor seemed like Adrien Brody’s to lose, given that his demanding role in “The Brutalist” won him the BAFTA and the Golden Globe. But Chalamet’s dynamic performance, masterful press cycle and transperency into his process has earned him plenty of praise.
Snub: “The Bear” and “Hacks” lose out to “Only Murders in the Building” for best ensemble in a comedy series
Maybe SAG voters were sick of the “Is ‘The Bear’ actually a comedy?” conversation and voted for the Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short vehicle instead. At any rate, after a less-than-perfect third season, is hype for “The Bear” starting to wane? Additionally, this is the third year in a row that “Hacks” star Jean Smart won best female actor in a comedy series, while the show’s ensemble was left empty-handed.
Surprise: Martin Short wins best male actor in a comedy series
While the pundits assumed Jeremy Allen White’s lauded performance as a perfectionist chef on “The Bear” or Adam Brody’s buzzy rabbi role on “Nobody Wants This” would get the nod, Short’s consistently wacky and heartfelt work in “Only Murders in the Building” seemed like the longest of longshots. Even legacy votes were assumed to be picked up by Harrison Ford for his role in “Shrinking.” But in the end, it was the well-liked Short who got to deliver an acceptance speech (or would have if he’d actually been at the ceremony).
Surprise: “Conclave” takes film ensemble in crowded field.
Most pundits predicted that “Wicked” and “Anora” would take the top film prize, but the “Conclave” win has opened up the Oscar race with just one week left. We’ve got ourselves a race, folks!
Surprise: Two major winners weren’t there.
For such a short awards show, the absences of Smart (away on a project) and Short (sick with COVID) felt heavy, especially given their humor and dexterity in public speaking. Short can’t help being sick, but couldn’t someone have asked Smart to tape something?
Snub: Stunt awards were presented on the red carpet
While the SAG Awards trim a lot of fat in order to come in at close to two hours, stunt performers literally risk their lives for their craft. The show couldn’t have been 10 minutes longer and given them their time to shine?
Surprise: The red carpet fashion was SO boring
Although the big event is next weekend, there were very few risks or interesting looks. Plus, most of the men were dressed like cater waiters. Yawn!
Surprise: The reunions lacked chemistry
You’d never realize that “The X Files” and “New Girl” were shows built upon the charm of their casts after watching these stilted segments. Sparks failed to fly!
Surprise: Ford ate a huge chip right behind Jessica Williams in night’s funniest moment
Ford’s inadvertent comedic timing was excellent as he prepared to take a particularly big bite of an amuse-bouche while his “Shrinking” castmate was talking during the show’s opening “I’m an actor” introduction. His squirmy attempt to get out of sight prompted the night’s biggest laugh. Maybe Ford should host next year.
