28th Screen Actors Guild Awards
The 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards, presented annually by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) to recognize outstanding performances in film and television, honored achievements from the eligibility period of 2021 and were held live on February 27, 2022, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.[1] The ceremony, broadcast on TNT and TBS, featured 14 competitive categories divided between motion pictures and television, including ensemble casts, lead and supporting actors, and stunt ensembles, with no traditional host to allow for a more intimate, actor-driven format.[1][2] In film, CODA dominated with wins for its ensemble cast and Troy Kotsur in a supporting role, while Will Smith (King Richard) and Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye) claimed leading actor honors, and Ariana DeBose (West Side Story) took the supporting actress award; No Time to Die was recognized for its stunt ensemble.[1] On the television side, Succession won for drama series ensemble, Ted Lasso for comedy series ensemble, and Squid Game made history as the first non-English language series to secure multiple awards, including leads for Jung Ho-yeon and Lee Jung-jae and stunt ensemble; individual wins also went to Michael Keaton (Dopesick) and Kate Winslet (Mare of Easttown) in limited series categories, Jean Smart (Hacks) for comedy lead actress, and Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso) for comedy lead actor.[1][3] The event underscored SAG-AFTRA's peer-voted selections, emphasizing collaborative performances and marking milestones like the prominence of streaming content amid the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the industry.[4]Background
Nominations process
The nominations process for the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards began with eligibility requirements centered on SAG-AFTRA's contractual standards. Productions, including motion pictures and primetime television programs, were eligible if produced under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement or an equivalent SAG/AFTRA Interim Agreement, ensuring coverage for performers' work during the awards eligibility period of March 1 to December 31, 2021.[5] Individual performers submitted for nomination had to be SAG-AFTRA members in good standing, with dues paid by specified deadlines, and their performances needed to occur in qualifying productions.[5] Submissions for consideration opened online on August 30, 2021, and closed on November 5, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. PT, allowing producers, actors, or representatives to enter performances via the official SAG Awards portal.[5] Each submission required detailed information, such as production title, category, actor credits, and high-resolution in-character photos, with associated fees ranging from $200 for individual entries to $2,000 for ensemble casts of up to 20 performers.[5] Once submitted, entries were reviewed for compliance by the SAG Awards administration. Nominations were determined through a two-stage voting structure exclusive to specialized committees, distinguishing the process from broader membership votes. Two nominating committees—one for motion pictures and one for television—each comprising approximately 2,500 randomly selected SAG-AFTRA members, handled the selection; these members were drawn from those who had not served in the prior eight years and had opted in by July 23, 2021.[6] Voting for nominations opened on December 6, 2021, and closed on January 9, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. PT, with committee members reviewing submitted materials to cast ballots.[5] Up to five nominees were selected per category based on the highest vote totals. In the event of ties for the fifth position, all tied performances received nominations, potentially resulting in more than five nominees per category.[5] A key feature of the SAG Awards nominations was the emphasis on ensemble performances, setting it apart from awards bodies that prioritize individual achievements. Categories for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Cast in a Drama or Comedy Series required submissions representing the collective cast, defined as single-card billed actors for films or series regulars appearing in at least 51% of episodes for television, highlighting collaborative acting contributions.[5] This focus ensured that group dynamics in performances were evaluated alongside solo efforts during the committee's deliberations.[6]Announcement of nominations
The nominations for the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced on January 12, 2022, in a virtual livestream format on Instagram Live, continuing the COVID-19 safety measures that had been in place for prior events.[7] The announcement was hosted by actors Rosario Dawson and Vanessa Hudgens, who read the nominees live from separate locations to minimize in-person contact.[8] In film categories, House of Gucci and The Power of the Dog tied for the most nominations with three each, including nods for their ensembles and standout individual performances. Television frontrunners included Succession and Ted Lasso, each receiving five nominations across drama and comedy ensembles, lead actors, and supporting roles. Notable surprises featured the ensemble cast of the South Korean series Squid Game earning a spot in the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series category, highlighting growing international recognition.[9] The announcement generated immediate buzz within the industry and on social media platforms, where users praised the nominations' diversity, including historic inclusions for non-white casts like Squid Game and deaf performers from CODA. Discussions also centered on perceived snubs, such as the absence of Kristen Stewart for her role in Spencer and limited individual nods for West Side Story despite its ensemble strength, sparking debates on voter preferences and representation gaps.[10][11]Ceremony
Date and venue
The 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards were held on February 27, 2022, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.[12][13] This venue was selected for its large, customizable space, which facilitated adherence to COVID-19 safety measures amid the ongoing pandemic.[13][14] The ceremony represented a partial return to in-person format following the 27th SAG Awards, which were conducted entirely virtually on April 4, 2021, due to health restrictions.[15][16] Attendance was limited to reduce density, with strict protocols enforced, including requirements for all ticketed attendees to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination plus a booster shot (if eligible) and a negative test result within 48 hours of entry.[17][14] Social distancing was maintained throughout the venue, and masks were mandated for indoor areas except when eating, drinking, or performing.[14][18] These adaptations ensured compliance with SAG-AFTRA guidelines and local health authorities, balancing the event's live energy with pandemic safety.[17][13]Broadcast and production
The 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards were simulcast live on TNT and TBS in the United States on February 27, 2022, beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT.[19] The ceremony was produced by SAG-AFTRA in association with Avalon Harbor Entertainment, with Benn Fleishman and Gloria Fujita O'Brien serving as executive producers. Directed by Sandra Restrepo in her debut for the event, the production emphasized a streamlined two-hour live format, returning to an in-person gathering at the Barker Hangar after the previous year's remote presentation.[20] Viewership averaged 1.8 million total U.S. viewers across the two networks, rebounding from the 27th ceremony's 957,000 viewers amid the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This uptick reflected renewed audience interest in the live broadcast.[20] In a first for the awards, the full ceremony became available on-demand the next day via HBO Max for streaming subscribers. SAG-AFTRA members could also access the event through the organization's website. Internationally, distribution occurred through a network of broadcast partners, including outlets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.[21][19][22]Presenters and notable moments
The 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards featured no host, returning to a presenter-led format that emphasized the honorees and streamlined the proceedings, a structure the ceremony had largely followed prior to introducing hosts in 2018.[2] The presenters included a diverse ensemble of established and emerging actors, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Lady Gaga, Will Smith, Jessica Chastain, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jung Ho-Yeon, Salma Hayek Pinault, Oscar Isaac, Reese Witherspoon, Selena Gomez, and the Hamilton trio of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., and Daveed Diggs, among others totaling over 25 individuals.[23][24][25] A standout moment came at the opening, where Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., and Daveed Diggs reunited for a lively monologue that celebrated the return to live, in-person gatherings after pandemic disruptions and playfully nodded to awards season traditions, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the audience.[24][26] Emotional highlights included the presentation of the SAG Life Achievement Award to Helen Mirren by Kate Winslet and Cate Blanchett; Winslet, appearing virtually due to COVID-19 protocols, delivered a poignant tribute praising Mirren's trailblazing influence on aging female roles, while Blanchett joined onstage, moving the audience with shared anecdotes of mentorship and resilience in the industry.[27][4] Production elements contributed to a seamless event, with strict time limits encouraging concise onstage remarks—typically capped at 45 seconds—and extensive pre-ceremony rehearsals ensuring minimal technical issues, allowing transitions between segments to flow efficiently. The selection of presenters, incorporating deaf performers like Marlee Matlin alongside international and multicultural talent, highlighted SAG-AFTRA's diverse membership base.[28]In Memoriam
The In Memoriam segment of the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards aired approximately midway through the ceremony on February 27, 2022, serving as a poignant tribute to SAG-AFTRA members who had passed away in the previous year. Introduced by actress and director Maggie Gyllenhaal, who reflected on the year's profound losses with the words, "There's been a lot of painful loss this year, and it's hard to put into words how much we'll miss the people we honor tonight," the segment featured a video montage of photographs and film clips highlighting the honorees' careers.[29][30] Set to the evocative tune "Sailboat" by Cody Fry and Ben Recor, the approximately five-minute montage emphasized the performers' enduring contributions to acting, underscoring their roles in advancing the guild's mission of supporting working actors. Among the key honorees were Betty White, a beloved television icon and longtime SAG-AFTRA member whose versatile career spanned over eight decades, including groundbreaking work on shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, for which she earned multiple Emmy Awards; Sidney Poitier, the trailblazing actor who broke racial barriers in Hollywood and received the SAG Life Achievement Award in 2000 for his influential performances in films such as In the Heat of the Night; and Olympia Dukakis, an Academy Award winner for Moonstruck whose stage and screen work exemplified the guild's commitment to diverse storytelling. Other notable figures included Ed Asner, a vocal union advocate and four-time Emmy winner known for The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Bob Saget, whose comedic legacy on Full House resonated deeply given his recent passing just weeks before the ceremony.[29][31] This tribute highlighted SAG-AFTRA's tradition of collectively honoring its members' legacies, fostering a sense of community and reflection amid an industry grappling with heightened mortality rates following the COVID-19 pandemic and other untimely deaths, thereby reinforcing the guild's role in preserving the memory of actors who shaped film and television.[29][32]Winners and nominees
Film
The Screen Actors Guild Awards for film categories recognize excellence in acting performances from motion pictures released in the eligibility period, with a distinctive emphasis on ensemble work to honor the collaborative spirit of performers, distinct from awards that prioritize directing, writing, or technical elements. These categories highlight individual achievements in leading and supporting roles while underscoring the chemistry and collective impact of casts, reflecting SAG-AFTRA's mission to celebrate actors' contributions.Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
This category awards the ensemble cast whose overall performance best exemplifies outstanding achievement in a theatrical motion picture, focusing on the group's synergy rather than isolated standout roles. In the 28th SAG Awards, six films received nominations, a departure from the typical five, showcasing a diverse range of dramatic and comedic ensembles. The winner was CODA (Apple Original Films), praised for its authentic portrayal of a deaf family dynamic through integrated performances.[33][1]- CODA (Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, Daniel Durant, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo)
- Belfast (Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Jude Hill, Cillian Murphy, Lewis McAskie)
- Don't Look Up (Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Jonah Hill, Tyler Perry)
- House of Gucci (Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Salma Hayek, Al Pacino)
- King Richard (Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Jon Bernthal, Tony Goldwyn)
- The Power of the Dog (Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Thomasin McKenzie)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
This award salutes the actor whose performance as the central figure in a motion picture most effectively exemplifies sustained excellence in service of the story. Will Smith won for his portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard, earning acclaim for embodying the determination of the tennis patriarch who coached his daughters to stardom.[1][33]- Will Smith – King Richard
- Javier Bardem – Being the Ricardos
- Benedict Cumberbatch – The Power of the Dog
- Andrew Garfield – tick, tick... BOOM!
- Denzel Washington – The Tragedy of Macbeth
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Recognizing the actress who delivers the most compelling central performance in a motion picture, this category highlights nuanced emotional depth and character transformation. Jessica Chastain received the honor for her transformative depiction of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker in The Eyes of Tammy Faye.[1][33]- Jessica Chastain – The Eyes of Tammy Faye
- Olivia Colman – The Lost Daughter
- Lady Gaga – House of Gucci
- Jennifer Hudson – Respect
- Nicole Kidman – Being the Ricardos
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
This category honors the actor whose nuanced supporting performance significantly enhances the motion picture's narrative. Troy Kotsur won for his role as Frank Rossi in CODA, marking a historic win as the first deaf male actor to receive this accolade.[1][4]- Troy Kotsur – CODA
- Ben Affleck – The Tender Bar
- Bradley Cooper – Licorice Pizza
- Jared Leto – House of Gucci
- Kodi Smit-McPhee – The Power of the Dog
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Awarding the actress whose supporting role provides pivotal emotional or dramatic support to the story, Ariana DeBose took the prize for her vibrant portrayal of Anita in West Side Story, celebrated for infusing the classic musical with fresh energy.[1][33]- Ariana DeBose – West Side Story
- Caitríona Balfe – Belfast
- Cate Blanchett – Nightmare Alley
- Kirsten Dunst – The Power of the Dog
- Ruth Negga – Passing
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
This category recognizes the stunt ensemble whose work demonstrates outstanding action performance in a motion picture. No Time to Die won for its thrilling action sequences in the James Bond film.[1]- No Time to Die
- Black Widow
- Dune
- The Matrix Resurrections
- Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Television
The television categories of the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards celebrated ensemble and individual performances across drama, comedy, and limited series formats, with a total of nine competitive awards presented. Shows like Succession and Ted Lasso dominated nominations, each receiving five nods, while Squid Game achieved a historic sweep by winning in three categories as the first non-English language series to do so.[1][3]Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
The award for outstanding ensemble in a drama series went to the cast of Succession (HBO), recognized for their portrayal of the Roy family's corporate power struggles, including key members such as Brian Cox as Logan Roy, Kieran Culkin as Roman Roy, Sarah Snook as Shiv Roy, and Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy.[33][34] The other nominees were the ensembles of The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu), featuring Elisabeth Moss as June Osborne and Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia; The Morning Show (Apple TV+), led by Jennifer Aniston as Alex Levy and Reese Witherspoon as Bradley Jackson; Squid Game (Netflix), with Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun and Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Sae-byeok; and Yellowstone (Paramount Network), starring Kevin Costner as John Dutton and Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton.[3][33]Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Ted Lasso (Apple TV+) won the ensemble award in comedy, honoring its feel-good depiction of an American coaching a British soccer team, with standout performers including Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso, Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton, and Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent.[1][3] Nominees included the casts of The Great (Hulu), led by Elle Fanning as Catherine; Hacks (HBO Max), featuring Jean Smart as Deborah Vance; The Kominsky Method (Netflix), starring Michael Douglas as Sandy Kominsky; and Only Murders in the Building (Hulu), with Steve Martin and Martin Short as leads.[34]Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Lee Jung-jae won for his role as Seong Gi-hun in Squid Game, marking the first win for a non-English speaking performer in this category.[1][3] The nominees were Brian Cox (Succession), Billy Crudup (The Morning Show), Kieran Culkin (Succession), and Jeremy Strong (Succession).[34]Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Jung Ho-yeon claimed the award for her breakout performance as Kang Sae-byeok in Squid Game, becoming the first Korean actor to win a SAG Award.[1][3] Other nominees included Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show), Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid's Tale), Sarah Snook (Succession), and Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show).[34]Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Jason Sudeikis received the honor for playing the optimistic Ted Lasso in Ted Lasso, highlighting the show's themes of kindness and resilience.[1][3] Nominees were Michael Douglas (The Kominsky Method), Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso), Steve Martin (Only Murders in the Building), and Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building).[34]Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Jean Smart won for her role as veteran comedian Deborah Vance in Hacks, praised for blending humor with vulnerability in the mentor-protégé dynamic.[1][3] The nominees also included Elle Fanning (The Great), Sandra Oh (The Chair), Juno Temple (Ted Lasso), and Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso).[34]Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Michael Keaton took home the award for his portrayal of pharmaceutical executive Samuel Finnix in Dopesick (Hulu), delivering a nuanced depiction of addiction and corporate greed.[1][3] Nominees were Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus), Oscar Isaac (Scenes from a Marriage), Ewan McGregor (Halston), and Evan Peters (Mare of Easttown).[34]Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Kate Winslet won for her complex performance as detective Mare Sheehan in Mare of Easttown (HBO), capturing grief and determination in a small-town mystery.[1][3] Other nominees included Jennifer Coolidge (The White Lotus), Cynthia Erivo (Genius: Aretha), Margaret Qualley (Maid), and Jean Smart (Mare of Easttown).[34]Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series
The stunt ensemble of Squid Game (Netflix) won, lauded for the high-intensity action sequences involving deadly games that amplified the series' tension.[1][3] Nominees included the stunt teams from Cobra Kai (Netflix), The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Disney+), Loki (Disney+), and Mare of Easttown (HBO).[34]| Category | Winner | Notable Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ensemble in Drama Series | Succession | HBO's family dynasty drama secured the win, underscoring peer recognition for its layered group dynamics.[1] |
| Ensemble in Comedy Series | Ted Lasso | Apple TV+'s uplifting series triumphed, reflecting its broad appeal and ensemble chemistry.[1] |
| Stunt Ensemble in TV Series | Squid Game | The Netflix phenomenon's three wins highlighted innovative action in international storytelling.[1] |