We are now two weeks out from Hollywood’s biggest night, which means that the SAG awards were taking place, but for the first time since I’ve been religiously watching, the ceremony was live streamed on Netflix’s YouTube channel. Once the platform introduces its live component next year we will see the ceremony actually on Netflix, but this change was kind of cool!
Firstly, NO COMMERCIALS! That in itself was a major win, but then we didn’t have speeches getting cut off or people getting played off the stage, and if you watched it live none of the (admittedly very few) curse words got bleeped out! Again, very cool! And also, everyone just looked like they were having a dang good time. I always love the opening “I’m an actor” segment, which ended perfectly with Janelle James and Quinta Brunson who also got to open the show. Hilarity all around. Now, I always forget that this show is set up a little differently in that the limited series only get lead actor statues, but then the split it up with all of the television and movie supporting roles first before rolling into lead. It’s a bit confusing and a little frustrating that supporting turns aren’t recognized in the limited series, but whatever, it’s been doing it that way forever.
The internet pointed out that none of the film acting winners were the same as the BAFTAs, and that almost never happens. Even though Brendan Fraser and Michelle Yeoh took home the lead trophies, I still think it’ll be a battle between them and Austin Butler/Cate Blanchett. As I’ve said before, I’d be pleased with any of those outcomes. Similarly, most people think Angela Bassett is a lock for supporting actress, but I think any one of those women could eek it out. Case in point: Jamie Lee Cutis took it home last night! Her speech, along with many others last night, seemed extra special because it’s an award voted on by their peers. It’s kind of like yearbook superlatives if you think about it, but that just means you made an impact on people. I think that’s all that actors really want. There were also lots of tears to go along with those speeches. Good stuff.
I was surprised that Better Call Saul walked away empty-handed and that Sam Elliot edged out Paul Walter Hauser, but overall, the wins of the night weren’t anything too surprising or upsetting. That’s all I can ever ask for. I know being nominated is a win in itself, but I just wish they could all win. It’s crazy how much quality content is out there right now, and somehow, voting bodies have to impossibly choose just one of them from each category. And that’s even hoping your favorite great one even got nominated it the first place! With all of that, just keep watching good shit and I’ll keep watching these awards shows because they make me happy. For a full list of winners, check it out here.