The 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards Nominations Announced
The nominations for the 30th Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards were revealed on Wednesday, bringing recognition to some of the year’s standout performances in film and television. While some familiar names made the list, there were also a few surprising snubs that left fans and critics buzzing.
Barbie and Oppenheimer Lead the Way
Continuing their dominance from the Golden Globes, Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” received the most nominations. Both films earned four nods, including a nomination for best ensemble. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were recognized for their performances in “Barbie,” while Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., and Emily Blunt received nods for “Oppenheimer.”
It’s no surprise that these two films are once again leading the pack. Not only were they critically acclaimed, but they also performed exceptionally well at the box office, captivating audiences worldwide.
American Fiction Gains Momentum
Cord Jefferson’s “American Fiction” gained significant momentum with three nominations: best ensemble, Jeffrey Wright for best male actor, and Sterling K. Brown for supporting male actor. This recognition is well-deserved for a film that has captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling and brilliant performances.
Joining “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” in the best ensemble category are Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Blitz Bazawule’s “The Color Purple.” These films have all made a lasting impact on audiences, showcasing the incredible talent of their respective casts.
Surprising Snubs
While many deserving films and actors received nominations, there were also a few surprising snubs. Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things,” which won best comedy/musical at the Golden Globes, was notably left out of the best ensemble category. However, star Emma Stone did receive a nomination for best female actor. Willem Dafoe was also recognized for his performance, but Mark Ruffalo was overlooked.
Todd Hayne’s “May December” and Celine Song’s “Past Lives” were completely shut out, despite high expectations. Charles Melton, co-star of “May December,” was expected to receive a nomination for best supporting male actor. Additionally, Sandra Hüller (“Anatomy of a Fall”) and Fantasia Barrino (“The Color Purple”) did not receive individual nominations.
Strong Contenders in the Acting Categories
The nominations for best actor include Bradley Cooper (“Maestro”), Colman Domingo (“Rustin”), Paul Giamatti (“The Holdovers”), Cillian Murphy, and Jeffrey Wright. Leonardo DiCaprio, who delivered an exceptional performance in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” surprisingly did not receive a nomination.
For best female actor, Lily Gladstone, Carey Mulligan (“Maestro”), Annette Bening (“Nyad”), and Emma Stone were recognized for their outstanding performances. Robert De Niro received a nomination for best supporting male actor.
In the supporting female actor category, Jodie Foster joined the nominees, along with Da’Vine Joy Randolph (“The Holdovers”), Danielle Brooks (“The Color Purple”), and Penélope Cruz for “Ferrari.”
SAG Awards as an Oscar Bellwether
The SAG Awards are closely watched as an indicator of potential Oscar winners. While the two awards don’t always align perfectly, SAG nominees often go on to receive nominations and even win at the Academy Awards. This means that films like “Poor Things” and “Past Lives” may face an uphill battle in their quest for Best Picture recognition.
Recent history shows that the last two best ensemble winners at the SAG Awards, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “CODA,” went on to win Best Picture at the Oscars. This track record adds even more weight to the SAG nominations.
A Grueling Battle for the Future of Hollywood
This year’s SAG Awards come after a grueling 118-day strike by the actors guild SAG-AFTRA, which brought attention to important issues in the industry. Pay in the streaming era and the impact of artificial intelligence were among the top concerns addressed during the strike. The nominations are a testament to the resilience and talent of the actors who fought for a better future for themselves and their colleagues.
Television Categories
In addition to the film nominations, the SAG Awards also recognized outstanding performances in television. “Succession,” “The Bear,” and “Beef,” which dominated the Golden Globes, once again received multiple nominations. “Succession” led all series with five nods, while “The Last of Us,” “Ted Lasso,” and “The Bear” each collected four nominations.
Exciting Changes for the SAG Awards
The upcoming SAG Awards will mark a significant moment for the event. For the first time, Netflix will live stream the ceremony, expanding its presence in the world of live programming. This move demonstrates Netflix’s continued influence and commitment to celebrating exceptional talent in the industry.
Furthermore, legendary performer Barbra Streisand will be honored with the SAG Life Achievement Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.
The 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards will take place on February 24th at the Shine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles. Fans and industry professionals alike will eagerly await the results, which will undoubtedly shape the conversation leading up to the prestigious Academy Awards in March.
