The excitement in Hollywood is buzzing this week as the 31st annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards nominations have been announced, and the beloved musical ‘Wicked’ has swept the nominations with a total of five nods, while the historical drama ‘Shōgun’ has done the same in the television category. Even though there were some surprising snubs among big-name actors, the nominations still reflect a strong year in film and television. The announcement was made on January 8, 2025, after being delayed due to devastating wildfires in Southern California.
“Wicked” Tops Nominations
Leading the pack, ‘Wicked’ received nominations for Best Ensemble, which is a big honor in the acting community, as it showcases the talent of the entire cast coming together. Not only that, but stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey earned individual nominations for their performances in the musical. This strong showing for ‘Wicked’ may help its chances at the upcoming Academy Awards, making it a top contender this awards season.
Out-of-Control Wildfires
This year’s SAG Awards announcement was unique due to the impact of wildfires in Los Angeles, which forced the event to be conducted without a live audience. Many celebrities were initially scheduled to participate in the announcement event, but due to safety concerns, it was changed to a press release format instead. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is now accepting donations for victims affected by the wildfires, reminding us of the importance of community support during times of crisis.
The Other Nominees for Best Ensemble
Alongside ‘Wicked’, other notable nominees for Best Ensemble included ‘Emilia Pérez’ and ‘A Complete Unknown’, showcasing a variety of storytelling styles from heartfelt dramas to more whimsical narratives. The competition is fierce, and viewers are excited to see which ensembles will ultimately take home the awards when the ceremony rolls around.
Strong Contenders in Television
In the realm of television, ‘Shōgun’ has made a huge impact, also receiving five nominations, including Best Drama Ensemble. This shows just how popular and well-loved the show has become. Additionally, ‘The Bear’ has gathered attention with four nominations, making it a strong competitor in the comedy category. These shows highlight the diversity and richness in today’s entertainment landscape.
Snubbed Stars
While there were many nominees to cheer for, some famous faces were sadly left off the nomination list. Notable stars like Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman did not receive nominations, creating quite a buzz among fans and critics alike. Their absence raises eyebrows, especially considering their previous works and the accolades they have received in the past. However, the SAG Awards are known for their surprising omissions, and this year is no different.
Predictive Power of the SAG Awards
The SAG Awards are often seen as a predictor of success at the Academy Awards, so actor snubs could potentially influence Oscar results. As we head toward February’s SAG Awards ceremony, the excitement is palpable as nominees vie for further recognition in the upcoming Oscars race. The cast and crew of the nominated films and television shows are likely keeping their fingers crossed.
Ceremony Details
The 2025 SAG Awards will be held on February 23rd at the historic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, with actress Kristen Bell set to host this much-anticipated event. Fans can catch all the action as the ceremony will be streamed live on Netflix, making it accessible for viewers everywhere. As an added highlight, the legendary Jane Fonda will be honored with the Life Achievement Award during the ceremony, celebrating her outstanding contributions to the film industry.
Nominations in Summary
| Category | Nominations |
|---|---|
| Best Ensemble | ‘Wicked’, ‘A Complete Unknown’, ‘Emilia Pérez’ |
| Best Drama Ensemble | ‘Shōgun’ |
| Best Comedy Ensemble | ‘The Bear’ |
As awards season continues, the buzz around the SAG Awards promises to only grow stronger, with fans eagerly anticipating the ceremony and the potential surprises that lie in store.
