After a near awards-season sweep by One Battle After Another, Sinners won best ensemble at the Screen Actors Guild’s 32nd Actor Awards, shaking up the Oscar race and setting up a potential nail-biter finale in two weeks at the Academy Awards. The guild’s awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, are one of the most closely watched Oscar precursors.
“From the bottom of our hearts, to the bottom of your hearts, thank you so much for everything,” said Delroy Lindo, who spoke on behalf of the film’s cast.
Moments earlier, Michael B Jordan also won best male actor, upsetting the category favourite, Timothee Chalamet, and handing the 39-year-old Jordan the most significant prize of his acclaimed career. Even Jordan looked shocked as the audience rose to its feet and Viola Davis, the award’s presenter, celebrated.
“I wasn’t expecting this at all,” said Jordan, who reflected on starting out as actor before he paused to appreciate the moment. “Yeah, man, this is pretty cool.”
As expected, Jessie Buckley won best female actor for her performance in Hamnet. Sean Penn (who didn’t attend) won best supporting male actor for One Battle After Another and Amy Madigan won best supporting female actor for Weapons.
Catherine O’Hara posthumously won best female actor in a comedy series for her performance as a movie executive in the showbiz satire The Studio.
O’Hara died at the age of 71 on January 30 from a blood clot in the lungs. Seth Rogen, co-creator of The Studio, accepted the award on her behalf.
The ceremony, presented by the actors guild SAG-AFTRA, were hosted by returning emcee Kristen Bell, who kicked off the show on a light, song-and-dance note despite the war in Iran and entertainment industry upheaval. Sean Astin, SAG-AFTRA president, offered a “a prayer for peace” in his remarks.
Before the ceremony began, the award for best stunt ensemble went to a Paramount release: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Among the TV awards, The Studio won for comedy series and The Pitt won for drama series. Individual winners included Keri Russell (The Diplomat), Rogen (The Studio), Michelle Williams (Dying for Sex), Owen Cooper (Adolescence) and Noah Wyle (The Pitt).
Harrison Ford was honoured with the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award, a prize presented with warm sarcasm by Woody Harrelson. The 83-year-old actor said he was humbled. “I’m in a room with actors, many of whom are here because they’ve been nominated to receive a prize for their amazing work, while I’m here to receive a prize for being alive,” said Ford, who called it “the half point” of his career.