SAG Awards 2025 Highlights: ‘Conclave,’ ‘Shōgun,’ & More Big Wins

The 31st Screen Actors Guild – SAG Awards 2025 delivered a night of celebration, surprises, and poignant moments, with ‘Conclave’, ‘Only Murders in the Building’, and ‘Shōgun’ emerging as the biggest winners of the evening. Hosted by Kristen Bell, the star-studded event not only honored outstanding performances in film and television but also paid tribute to the resilience of Los Angeles, which continues its recovery from devastating wildfires.

With an electrifying mix of heartfelt speeches, political undertones, and a few technical hiccups, the SAG Awards 2025 ceremony proved to be a memorable one. Let’s dive into the biggest moments, winners, and the stories behind the victories at the SAG Awards 2025.

A Night of Triumph: The Biggest Winners at the SAG Awards 2025

‘Conclave’ Secures Top Film Honor

The political thriller ‘Conclave’, set against the backdrop of a secretive Vatican election, took home the most coveted award of the night—Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The film, which has been gaining traction throughout awards season, now positions itself as a formidable contender for the Oscars.

Although it edged out early favorites like ‘Anora’ and ‘A Complete Unknown’, ‘Conclave’s’ win signals a shift in industry preferences toward thought-provoking narratives that blend historical intrigue with gripping performances.

‘Shōgun’ Dominates the Television Drama Categories

‘Shōgun’, an epic retelling of feudal Japan, swept the TV categories, winning Best Drama Ensemble along with acting accolades for Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai. Sanada, visibly moved, reflected on the journey of bringing such a rich, culturally significant story to life.

• 🏅 Hiroyuki Sanada – Best Actor in a Drama Series
• 🏅 Anna Sawai – Best Actress in a Drama Series
• 🏅 ‘Shōgun’ – Best Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series

Having already made waves at the Golden Globes and Emmys, ‘Shōgun’s’ latest wins reinforce its status as one of the most powerful dramas of the year.

‘Only Murders in the Building’ Wins Big in Comedy

The beloved Hulu mystery-comedy series ‘Only Murders in the Building’ won Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series, with Martin Short earning the Best Actor in a Comedy Series award. However, Short was absent due to illness, leaving fans and co-stars to celebrate in his honour.

• Jean Smart, who plays a legendary stand-up comic in ‘Hacks,’ continued her winning streak, taking home Best Actress in a Comedy Series.

Powerful Performances & Career-Defining Moments

While no single film dominated the acting categories, several performances stood out:

• Timothée Chalamet (‘A Complete Unknown’) stunned audiences with his Bob Dylan transformation, securing the Best Male Actor in a Leading Role award.
• Demi Moore (‘The Substance’) delivered an emotional speech upon winning Best Female Actor in a Leading Role, reflecting on Hollywood’s ageism and her own career resurgence.
• Kieran Culkin (‘A Real Pain’) and Zoe Saldaña (‘Emilia Pérez’) won the Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards, respectively.

Culkin, ever the comedian, joked about the SAG awards 2025 trophy’s hefty weight, calling it the most physically demanding award to hold.

Jane Fonda’s Political Call to Action

One of the night’s most politically charged moments came during Jane Fonda’s Lifetime Achievement Award speech. As Hollywood grapples with a shifting political landscape and the return of Donald Trump, Fonda urged her peers to remain vocal and active.

“This is a time for courage. We must stand together, fight for the vulnerable, and protect the future we believe in.”

Her speech resonated deeply in an industry known for its activism, reminding attendees of the power they wield beyond entertainment.

SAG Awards 2025 Technical Glitches & Unexpected Moments

While the night was filled with celebration, it wasn’t without its hiccups. Jane Fonda’s acceptance speech was abruptly interrupted by a pre-recorded announcement, leading to confusion among attendees. Additionally, several presenters struggled with malfunctioning microphones, including Andrew Scott and Adam Brody.

Despite these minor setbacks, the night’s celebratory spirit remained intact, with stars laughing off the mishaps.

A Historic Night for Netflix & Streaming

For the second consecutive year, the SAG Awards 2025 were streamed live on Netflix, further cementing the shift away from traditional television broadcasts. This move aligns with Hollywood’s growing digital-first approach, catering to a global audience that increasingly consumes content via streaming platforms.

Kristen Bell, hosting for the second time, brought a blend of humor and heartfelt tributes, making the evening both entertaining and meaningful.

Full List of Winners – SAG Awards 2025

Here is the complete list of winners honoured with Film and TV Awards at the SAG Awards 2025.

Film Awards

• 🏅 Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture – ‘Conclave’
• 🏅Best Male Actor in a Leading Role – Timothée Chalamet, ‘A Complete Unknown’
• 🏅 Best Female Actor in a Leading Role – Demi Moore, ‘The Substance’
• 🏅 Best Supporting Actor – Kieran Culkin, ‘A Real Pain’
• 🏅 Best Supporting Actress – Zoe Saldaña, ‘Emilia Pérez’
• 🏅 Best Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture – ‘The Fall Guy’

TV Awards

• 🏅 Best Ensemble in a Drama Series – ‘Shōgun’
• 🏅 Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series – ‘Only Murders in the Building’
• 🏅 Best Actor in a Drama Series – Hiroyuki Sanada, ‘Shōgun’
• 🏅 Best Actress in a Drama Series – Anna Sawai, ‘Shōgun’
• 🏅 Best Actor in a Comedy Series – Martin Short, ‘Only Murders in the Building’
• 🏅 Best Actress in a Comedy Series – Jean Smart, ‘Hacks’
• 🏅 Best Actor in a TV Movie or Limited Series – Colin Farrell, ‘The Penguin’
• 🏅Best Actress in a TV Movie or Limited Series – Jessica Gunning, ‘Baby Reindeer’