2025 SAG Awards: A Night of Glamour, Surprises, and Heartfelt Moments

The 2025 SAG Awards was a night to remember, filled with emotional speeches, unexpected twists, and a celebration of talent. Hosted by Kristen Bell, the ceremony took place at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, with stars from both the big and small screens coming together to honor outstanding performances. The event, televised live on Netflix, began with Bell addressing the recent wildfires that had impacted Los Angeles County. She acknowledged the firefighters in attendance and expressed her desire to support the community, setting a tone of gratitude and resilience for the evening.

Best Opening Moment: Jean Smart Steals the Show

The ceremony kicked off with a hilarious opening sketch featuring Jean Smart, who channeled her character Deborah Vance from Hacks. Smart’s performance was crisp and witty, earning her laughs from both the audience and viewers at home. Her comedic timing and charisma set a high bar for the rest of the show. Meanwhile, Kristen Bell lightened the mood with a playful rendition of Do You Want to Build a Snowman? from Frozen, a moment that left everyone smiling and ready for the night ahead.

Memorable Acceptance Speeches and Unexpected Wins

One of the standout moments of the night came from Kieran Culkin, who won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for his role in A Real Pain. His speech was both humorous and heartfelt, as he playfully jabbed at Adrien Brody’s infamous long acceptance speeches. Culkin’s self-deprecating humor and genuine gratitude made his speech one of the most memorable of the evening.

The night also delivered its fair share of surprises, with A Complete Unknown taking home multiple awards. Timothée Chalamet and Martin Short won their respective categories, and the film’s cast later won the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture award. The wins were a welcomed twist in an awards season that had already seen many predictions. Meanwhile, Only Murders in the Building took home the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series award, with Selena Gomez expressing her shock and gratitude during her speech.

Celebrity Reunions and Heartfelt Tributes

The 2025 SAG Awards was also a night for reunions, as former co-stars from popular TV shows like The Good Place, New Girl, and Gossip Girl came together to celebrate their shared experiences. One of the most delightful moments was when The Good Place stars Ted Danson and William Jackson Harper engaged in a playful competition for Kristen Bell’s attention, much to the delight of the audience.

In a touching tribute, the ceremony honored the iconic Law & Order franchise, showcasing clips of famous guest stars like Bradley Cooper, Viola Davis, and Kerry Washington in their early-career roles. Mariska Hargitay, who has been a stalwart of the series, praised the show’s legacy and the countless actors who have contributed to its success. The segment was a reminder of the enduring impact of the franchise on the television industry.

The Not-So-Bright Moments: Flubs, Struggles, and Absences

While the evening was filled with highlights, there were also a few missteps. One of the most noticeable was during the introduction of Best Picture nominees, where several casts seemed unprepared. Timothée Chalamet openly joked about the lack of rehearsal, while the cast of Anora couldn’t help but laugh through their segment.

Another challenge of the night was the weight of the SAG Award trophies, which reportedly weighed 12 pounds. Kieran Culkin humorously remarked on the heaviness of his award, quipping that it was the “heaviest of all awards.” Technical difficulties also made an appearance during Jane Fonda’s Lifetime Achievement Award speech, but the legendary actress handled the mishap with grace and humor.

Finally, the night was marked by the absence of several winners, including Jean Smart and Martin Short, who were unable to attend due to other commitments. Selena Gomez addressed their absence during her speech, expressing her gratitude for their contributions to Only Murders in the Building. Despite these absences, the ceremony remained a celebration of talent and camaraderie, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and excitement for the future of the entertainment industry.