The 23rd annual Screen Actors Guild went as expected – it’s an organisation that has a habit of rewarding frontrunners and repeat winners, after all. So it came as little surprise that Emma Stone and Viola Davis took home trophies.
But the voters did manage to keep things interesting, with a few notable curveballs.
Surprise: Stranger Things
The retro thriller’s win was the upset of the night. Not only did the Netflix sleeper hit end Downton Abbey‘s two-year long reign at the SAG Awards, but it also triumphed over Emmy champion Game Of Thrones. With Game out of contention this year, the kids certainly now have the momentum.
Surprise: William H. Macy, Shameless
William H. Macy. Photo: Reuters
Even William H. Macy acknowledged he was shocked when his name was called over two-time reigning champ Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent). There’s usually nothing SAG likes more than a repeat winner, but Macy’s Frank Gallagher on the Showtime dramedy does have his charms.
Surprise: Bryan Cranston, All The Way
Bryan Cranston. Photo: Reuters
To be sure, Bryan Cranston delivered a bravura performance as Lyndon B. Johnson in HBO’s gripping biopic – the role earned him a Tony as well. But like the lawyer he played on FX’s The People V. O.J. Simpson, Emmy winner Courtney B. Vance was widely expected to win here, too.
Surprise: Denzel Washington, Fences
Denzel Washington. Photo: Reuters
Casey Affleck had completely dominated the circuit leading into the night. But in the end it was Fences star Denzel Washington, winning his first-ever SAG award, who shocked in the best actor field. Only four times has the best actor Oscar gone a different direction from SAG, and the last time was 13 years ago. We officially have an exciting race here.
Surprise: Hidden Figures
Janelle Monae (left) and Taraji P. Henson. Photo: Reuters
The smart money was on Moonlight to claim the film ensemble prize, particularly as it’s seemingly been La La Land‘s biggest competition for best picture all season long. But in the end, SAG pulled a fast one, honouring the cast of Hidden Figures and giving the film a wonderful opportunity to make its case for the industry’s top honour. Taraji P. Henson’s speech, part and parcel of a whole night’s worth of politically-leaning sentiments, not doubt earned the film a ton of votes.
Snub: Westworld
HBO’s new sci-fi drama entered the night with a list-topping three nominations, but went home empty-handed. (And Game Of Thrones, which also had three noms, had to settle for a stunt ensemble trophy.) The SAG voters just don’t like genre…. except when it comes in a 1980s package.
Snub: Downton Abbey
The two-time winner for best drama ensemble was finally dethroned in its final season by those plucky kids from Stranger Things. Thanks for the memories, Grantham family.
Snub: Manchester By The Sea
It wasn’t just Casey Affleck who went home empty-handed from the Manchester crew but every other nominee, too: Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges and the film’s cast. That’s quite the dismissal of a movie built on incredible performances. – Reuters/Debra Birnbaum
Here’s the complete list of winners at the 23rd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards:
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role: Denzel Washington, Fences
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: Emma Stone, La La Land
Emma Stone. Photo: Reuters
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Viola Davis, Fences
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: Hidden Figures
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries: Bryan Cranston, All The Way
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries: Sarah Paulson, The People V. O.J. Simpson
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series: John Lithgow, The Crown
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series: Claire Foy, The Crown
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series: William H. Macy, Shameless
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: Stranger Things
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series: Orange Is The New Black
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Comedy or Drama Series: Game Of Thrones
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture: Hacksaw Ridge
