2025 SAG Awards Winners: Timothée Chalamet, Conclave, and Key Oscar Predictions
The 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards crowned surprise winners and intensified the Oscars race just days before Hollywood’s biggest night. Hosted by Kristen Bell, the ceremony honored Timothée Chalamet, Conclave, and Demi Moore, while celebrating Jane Fonda’s lifetime achievements. Below, we break down the highlights, trends, and what these results mean for the Academy Awards.
SAG Awards 2025 Winners: Full Breakdown
Film Category Highlights
Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture: Conclave
Ralph Fiennes accepted the top prize for Edward Berger’s papal thriller Conclave, which follows cardinals scheming to elect a new pope. The win solidified its late-season momentum after a BAFTA victory, positioning it as a strong Oscars contender. Fiennes praised director Berger’s “insight and dedication,” while co-star Isabella Rossellini sent well-wishes to Pope Francis, hospitalized with pneumonia.
Timothée Chalamet’s Breakthrough Win
Chalamet upset Golden Globe and BAFTA winner Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) to claim Best Actor for A Complete Unknown, where he portrayed Bob Dylan. In his emotional speech, Chalamet called the role “the honor of a lifetime” and vowed to pursue greatness alongside idols like Daniel Day-Lewis. At 29, he’s now the youngest SAG Awards lead actor winner and could break Brody’s record as the youngest Oscars winner in the category.
Demi Moore’s Career Resurgence
Moore won Best Actress for her body-horror turn in The Substance, beating critical darling Mikey Madison (Anora). This marks her first major acting award since the 1990s, signaling a powerful comeback.
Television Category Standouts
Shōgun Dominates Drama
FX’s historical epic Shōgun won Best Drama Ensemble, cementing its status as a frontrunner for the Emmys. Its sprawling cast includes Cosmo Jarvis and Anna Sawai, who delivered standout performances.
Only Murders in the Building Wins Comedy
The Steve Martin-Martin Short-Selena Gomez trio claimed Best Comedy Ensemble, edging out The Bear and Abbott Elementary. Gomez, also nominated for Emilia Pérez, called the win “a testament to our chaotic chemistry”.
How the SAG Awards Shape the Oscars Race
The SAG Awards are the most reliable Oscars predictor, as actors comprise the Academy’s largest voting bloc. This year’s surprises have upended expectations:
- Conclave’s win complicates the Best Picture race, where Anora (winning guild awards) and The Brutalist (a critics’ favorite) were frontrunners.
- Chalamet’s victory suggests actors may rally behind him over Brody, despite the latter’s dominance this season.
- Moore’s win positions her as a dark horse against BAFTA winner Emma Stone (Kinds of Kindness).
Where to Watch the 2025 SAG Awards
The ceremony streamed live on Netflix, with replays available on-demand. Red carpet coverage featured on Netflix’s YouTube channel. For highlights:
- Full Winners List (Rolling Stone)
- Chalamet’s Speech Analysis (Billboard)
- Conclave’s Oscar Chances (BBC)
Actionable Takeaways
- Watch Conclave and A Complete Unknown: Both films are now essential viewing before the Oscars on March 2.
- Track Guild Awards: SAG, BAFTA, and guild wins often signal Academy Awards trends.
- Stream on Netflix: Revisit the ceremony for speeches and fashion moments.
