25th Screen Actors Guild Awards
The 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards, honoring outstanding performances in film and television from 2018, was held on January 27, 2019, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.[1] The ceremony, hosted by Megan Mullally, was simulcast live on TNT and TBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT.[2] The event celebrated achievements by actors, with Black Panther winning for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and This Is Us taking the award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.[1] Individual film honorees included Rami Malek for Bohemian Rhapsody, Glenn Close for The Wife, Mahershala Ali for Green Book, and Emily Blunt for A Quiet Place.[1] In television, standout winners were Darren Criss for The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, Patricia Arquette for Escape at Dannemora, Jason Bateman for Ozark, Sandra Oh for Killing Eve, Tony Shalhoub for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Rachel Brosnahan for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.[1] The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel also won for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.[1] A highlight was the presentation of the 55th SAG Life Achievement Award to Alan Alda for his contributions to the acting profession.[1] Stunt ensembles were recognized separately, with Black Panther winning in film and GLOW in television.[3] The ceremony underscored SAG-AFTRA's commitment to performers, including a $125,000 grant from Stand Up To Cancer to the union's Catastrophic Health Fund.[1]Ceremony
Date and venue
The 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony took place on January 27, 2019, recognizing outstanding performances in film and television from the previous year.[2][4] The event was held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, a historic venue built in 1926 that has served as a frequent host for the SAG Awards since 1997.[5][6] The auditorium features a capacity of approximately 6,300 seats and the largest proscenium stage in North America, making it a staple for major entertainment events.[7][5] The ceremony lasted approximately two hours, beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT.[2][8] Prior to the main program, pre-ceremony activities included red carpet arrivals starting around 4:00 p.m. PT, where nominees and guests gathered for media interactions and preparations.[9]Host and presenters
The 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards were hosted by Megan Mullally, an acclaimed actress and comedian best known for her portrayal of Karen Walker on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace, earning her four Screen Actors Guild Awards, including three consecutive wins for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series from 2002 to 2004.[10] As the ceremony's second-ever host following Kristen Bell in 2018, Mullally brought her signature wit to the event, opening with a monologue that humorously critiqued Hollywood's persistent sexism and ageism while praising the industry's strides in diversity, spotlighting ensembles from films like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians.[11] Her performance included playful jabs at awards season tropes and audience members, such as a quip about Emma Stone turning 30, setting a lighthearted yet pointed tone for the evening.[12] The event featured over 30 presenters, many drawn from the year's nominated casts and spanning both film and television categories, emphasizing peer recognition among actors. For the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture award, representatives included Angela Bassett from Black Panther; Adam Driver and John David Washington from BlacKkKlansman; Ben Hardy, Gwilym Lee, Rami Malek, and Joe Mazzello from Bohemian Rhapsody; Awkwafina, Henry Golding, Ken Jeong, Constance Wu, and Michelle Yeoh from Crazy Rich Asians; and Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott, Lady Gaga, and Anthony Ramos from A Star Is Born.[13] Television presenters highlighted included Alec Baldwin, Laverne Cox, Chris Pine, and Keri Russell, alongside others such as Scott Bakula, Antonio Banderas, Matt Bomer, Gabrielle Carteris, Michael Douglas, Jodie Foster, Hugh Grant, Richard Madden, Ricky Martin, Tracy Morgan, Gary Oldman, and Rachel Weisz, who introduced categories across drama, comedy, and ensemble honors.[13] Among the standout presentation moments were dynamic duo appearances, such as Matt Bomer and Ricky Martin teaming up to announce the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series, infusing the segment with charismatic interplay and applause from the audience.[14] Tom Hanks delivered the Life Achievement Award presentation in his characteristically warm and engaging style, incorporating heartfelt anecdotes and a curated highlight reel to celebrate the honoree's contributions.[15] Jodie Foster closed the show by presenting the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, adding a touch of gravitas to the finale.[13]Broadcast and viewership
The 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards were simulcast live on TNT and TBS, beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT on January 27, 2019.[16] Subscribers to TNT and TBS could also stream the ceremony via the Watch TNT and Watch TBS apps.[16] An official pre-show, titled the PEOPLE, Entertainment Weekly & TNT Red Carpet Live, streamed starting at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT on PeopleTV and related platforms, featuring red carpet coverage.[17] The ceremony was directed by Alan Carter and produced by SAG-AFTRA in association with Screen Actors Guild Awards, LLC and Avalon Harbor Entertainment, with executive producer Kathy Connell overseeing the event.[18][19][20] Viewership totaled 2.68 million viewers, with 1.51 million on TNT and 1.17 million on TBS, marking a slight decline of 1% from the 2.71 million viewers for the 2018 ceremony and a 5% drop from 2017's 2.82 million.[21] In the key adults 18-49 demographic, the event achieved a 0.5 rating, down 9% from the prior year's 0.55 and representing a multiyear low.[21]Winners and nominees
Film
The film categories at the 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards, held on January 27, 2019, recognized outstanding performances in motion pictures from 2018, with Black Panther emerging as a major highlight by securing the top ensemble honor and underscoring the guild's appreciation for collective storytelling in diverse casts.[22] The awards emphasized individual achievements across leading and supporting roles, reflecting a mix of critical darlings and commercial successes, though notable absences like certain high-profile transformations drew commentary on the guild's preferences.[23]Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
This category celebrated ensemble work, where Black Panther triumphed over a field of critically acclaimed films, marking a surprise victory for the Marvel blockbuster that highlighted its cultural impact and box office dominance, grossing over $1.3 billion worldwide.[22][23] The win was seen as a nod to the film's predominantly Black cast and its role in advancing representation in superhero cinema.[24]| Nominees |
|---|
| A Star Is Born |
| Black Panther (winner) |
| BlacKkKlansman |
| Bohemian Rhapsody |
| Crazy Rich Asians |
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Rami Malek won for his transformative portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, edging out frontrunners in a category that showcased intense character studies, with his victory aligning with the film's unexpected box office resurgence.[22] Christian Bale's chameleon-like turn as Dick Cheney in Vice was a notable snub in terms of the outcome, despite its critical praise for his physical commitment.[23]| Nominee | Film |
|---|---|
| Christian Bale | Vice |
| Bradley Cooper | A Star Is Born |
| Rami Malek (winner) | Bohemian Rhapsody |
| Viggo Mortensen | Green Book |
| John David Washington | BlacKkKlansman |
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Glenn Close claimed the award for her nuanced depiction of Joan Castleman in The Wife, a long-overdue recognition after six prior nominations, prevailing in a competitive field that balanced emotional depth with vocal prowess.[22] Her win reinforced the guild's valuation of subtle, introspective performances over flashier musical roles.[23]| Nominee | Film |
|---|---|
| Emily Blunt | Mary Poppins Returns |
| Glenn Close (winner) | The Wife |
| Olivia Colman | The Favourite |
| Lady Gaga | A Star Is Born |
| Melissa McCarthy | Can You Ever Forgive Me? |
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Mahershala Ali's empathetic portrayal of Dr. Don Shirley in Green Book earned him the win, continuing his streak from the previous year's awards and spotlighting themes of racial reconciliation in a year of socially conscious films.[22] His victory contributed to discussions on diversity, as one of few Black actors to win in this category multiple times.[23]| Nominee | Film |
|---|---|
| Mahershala Ali (winner) | Green Book |
| Timothée Chalamet | Beautiful Boy |
| Adam Driver | BlacKkKlansman |
| Richard E. Grant | Can You Ever Forgive Me? |
| Sam Rockwell | Vice |
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Emily Blunt's tense, maternal role in A Quiet Place secured the upset win, surprising many who favored period drama standouts and highlighting the guild's affinity for genre performances that blend vulnerability with intensity.[22] This outcome diverged from Oscar predictors, emphasizing SAG's focus on relatable emotional authenticity.[23]| Nominee | Film |
|---|---|
| Amy Adams | Vice |
| Emily Blunt (winner) | A Quiet Place |
| Regina King | If Beale Street Could Talk |
| Emma Stone | The Favourite |
| Rachel Weisz | The Favourite |
Television
The television categories at the 25th Screen Actors Guild Awards recognized outstanding ensemble and individual performances in primetime drama and comedy series, as well as limited series and television movies, based on work from 2018. These awards highlighted the growing influence of streaming platforms, with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video securing multiple nominations and wins, reflecting a shift toward serialized storytelling in prestige television. The ceremony underscored trends in genre diversity, from dark thrillers to period comedies, while favoring ensemble-driven narratives that emphasized character depth over traditional broadcast formats.[25]Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
This category celebrated collaborative casts in ongoing drama series, with nominees drawn from critically acclaimed shows blending family sagas, political intrigue, and survival tales. The winner, This Is Us (NBC), marked a repeat victory from the previous year, praised for its emotional authenticity and ensemble chemistry in portraying multigenerational family dynamics.[26]| Nominees | Network/Platform |
|---|---|
| This Is Us (Winner) | NBC |
| The Americans | FX Networks |
| Better Call Saul | AMC |
| The Handmaid's Tale | Hulu |
| Ozark | Netflix |
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Comedy ensembles were lauded for innovative humor in workplace satires and character studies, with The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime Video) dominating as the winner. The Amazon series achieved a rare sweep across all three comedy categories, a feat not seen since 2008, signaling the rise of female-led, period-piece comedies in the streaming era.[27]| Nominees | Network/Platform |
|---|---|
| The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Winner) | Prime Video |
| Atlanta | FX Networks |
| Barry | HBO |
| GLOW | Netflix |
| The Kominsky Method | Netflix |
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Nominees showcased versatile portrayals of morally complex antiheroes and leaders, with Jason Bateman earning the win for his role as the desperate family man Marty Byrde in Ozark (Netflix). Bateman's performance highlighted the category's preference for subtle, escalating tension in crime dramas, contributing to Netflix's strong showing with three nominations.[26]- Jason Bateman – Marty Byrde, Ozark (Winner, Netflix)
- Sterling K. Brown – Randall Pearson, This Is Us (NBC)
- Joseph Fiennes – Commander Waterford, The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu)
- John Krasinski – Jack Ryan, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan (Prime Video)
- Bob Odenkirk – Jimmy McGill, Better Call Saul (AMC)[25]
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
This category featured intense roles in dystopian and psychological narratives, with Sandra Oh winning for her captivating portrayal of MI5 agent Eve Polastri in Killing Eve (BBC America). Oh's victory was an upset over heavy favorites like Elisabeth Moss, emphasizing the awards' appreciation for dynamic, chemistry-driven duos in thriller formats.[26]- Sandra Oh – Eve Polastri, Killing Eve (Winner, BBC America)
- Julia Garner – Ruth Langmore, Ozark (Netflix)
- Laura Linney – Wendy Byrde, Ozark (Netflix)
- Elisabeth Moss – Offred/June, The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu)
- Robin Wright – Claire Underwood, House of Cards (Netflix)[25]
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Comedy leads were recognized for blending humor with pathos, as Tony Shalhoub won for his role as the devoted but exasperated father Abe Weissman in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. This win, part of the show's comedy sweep, underscored Amazon's push into high-concept, dialogue-sharp series.[27]- Tony Shalhoub – Abe Weissman, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Winner, Prime Video)
- Alan Arkin – Norman, The Kominsky Method (Netflix)
- Michael Douglas – Sandy Kominsky, The Kominsky Method (Netflix)
- Bill Hader – Barry Berkman, Barry (HBO)
- Henry Winkler – Gene Cousineau, Barry (HBO)[25]
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
The category spotlighted empowering and witty female protagonists, with Rachel Brosnahan securing the win as aspiring comedian Miriam "Midge" Maisel in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Brosnahan's performance exemplified the trend toward vibrant, standalone female stories in comedy, bolstering the series' overall dominance.[27]- Rachel Brosnahan – Miriam "Midge" Maisel, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Winner, Prime Video)
- Alex Borstein – Susie Myerson, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime Video)
- Alison Brie – Ruth Wilder, GLOW (Netflix)
- Jane Fonda – Grace Hanson, Grace and Frankie (Netflix)
- Lily Tomlin – Frankie Bergstein, Grace and Frankie (Netflix)[25]
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Limited series performances were honored for their contained intensity, with Darren Criss winning for his chilling depiction of serial killer Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (FX Networks). The win highlighted FX's strength in true-crime anthologies.[26]- Darren Criss – Andrew Cunanan, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (Winner, FX Networks)
- Antonio Banderas – Pablo Picasso, Genius: Picasso (National Geographic)
- Hugh Grant – Jeremy Thorpe, A Very English Scandal (Prime Video)
- Anthony Hopkins – King Lear, King Lear (Prime Video)
- Bill Pullman – Det. Harry Ambrose, The Sinner (USA Network)[25]
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
This award went to Patricia Arquette for her raw portrayal of prison guard Tilly Mitchell in Escape at Dannemora (Showtime), an upset that showcased the category's openness to grounded, biographical roles amid flashier biopics. Arquette's win exemplified the prestige of limited series in delivering career-defining turns.[26]- Patricia Arquette – Tilly Mitchell, Escape at Dannemora (Winner, Showtime)
- Amy Adams – Camille Preaker, Sharp Objects (HBO)
- Patricia Clarkson – Adora Crellin, Sharp Objects (HBO)
- Penélope Cruz – Donatella Versace, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (FX Networks)
- Emma Stone – Annie Landsberg, Maniac (Netflix)[25]