“Conclave,” a thriller about the election of a new pope, triumphed at the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, winning the top prize for best motion picture cast. “Shōgun,” an epic look at feudal Japan, and “Only Murders in the Building,” a mystery satire, won the TV ensemble prizes in the drama and comedy categories.
It was a night filled with tributes to Los Angeles, which is recovering from the devastation caused by this year’s wildfires. “The city and the people in it have been put through the wringer,” Kristen Bell, the show’s host said, before introducing tables of first responders. “There is no way to properly express our gratitude to all of you,” she added.
The ceremony also had contended with technical glitches. At one point, a pre-recorded announcement interrupted Jane Fonda’s lifetime achievement award acceptance speech, and several presenters, such as Andrew Scott and Adam Brody, had to deal with finicky microphones.
“Shōgun” led the TV categories with four wins, picking up best lead and lead actress in a drama series for Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, who play a conniving warlord and his trusted interpreter, as well as a prize for its stunts. Both the show and its stars have dominated awards season, earning top honors at the Golden Globes and the Emmys. “I feel like I’m in a dream of dreams,” Sanada said, fighting back tears.
The film awards spread the wealth, as no movie earned more than a single prize. “Conclave’s” victory comes during an unusually tumultuous awards season, one that’s seen early frontrunners like “Emilia Pérez” derailed by controversies. “Anora,” which lost the ensemble prize to “Conclave,” won the Directors Guild and Producers Guild honors, making it the favorite to be named best picture at the Oscars. However, “Conclave’s” victory at SAG, along with its win last week at the BAFTAs, signals it could ultimately triumph at the Academy Awards.
Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”) and Demi Moore (“The Substance”) captured the leading actor and actress trophies. Chalamet transformed into a folk era Bob Dylan, while Moore played an actress and fitness guru fired by misogynistic higher ups for the sin of being middle aged.
“We’re in a subjective business but the truth is I’m really in pursuit of greatness,” Chalamet, who won over the heavily favored Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”), said. “I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats. I’m inspired by the greats. I’m inspired by the greats here tonight. I’m as inspired by Daniel Day, Lewis, Marlon Brando and Viola Davis, as I am by Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, and I want to be up there.”