“Wicked” led the field with five nominations at the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, including Best Ensemble and individual nominations for stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey. These nominations were revealed via press release, following the cancellation of a live announcement due to severe wildfires affecting Los Angeles and Southern California.
The musical’s recognitions enhance its prospects for the Oscars, particularly given the SAG Awards’ predictive nature regarding Academy Award winners. Alongside “Wicked” in the Best Ensemble category are “Anora,” “Conclave,” “Emilia Pérez,” and “A Complete Unknown,” with the latter securing four nominations, including Best Male Actor for Timothée Chalamet.
Demi Moore was nominated for Best Female Actor in a Leading Role for “The Substance,” alongside Erivo and breakout star Karla Sofía Gascón, while some renowned actors, including Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman, were notably left out of the nominations.
The SAG Awards are widely recognized for their ability to forecast Oscar outcomes. The pattern has shown that ensemble winners often go on to win the Academy’s Best Picture award, with recent past winners like “Oppenheimer” and “CODA” illustrating this trend. The absence of ensemble nominations for movies that have done well at other awards, like “The Brutalist,” raises questions about their chances at the Oscars.
The Directors Guild also announced its nominees, which mostly mirrored the SAG selections but did not include any female directors, further complicating the Best Picture race.
In television categories, FX’s “Shōgun” dominated with multiple nominations, affirming its prowess following recent accolades from the Emmys and Golden Globes. The SAG ceremony is set for February 23 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and will be hosted by Kristen Bell, with Jane Fonda receiving a special Life Achievement Award.
Overall, the nominations reflect a competitive landscape in both film and television, setting the stage for an exciting awards season ahead filled with talented individuals showcasing their artistry. The recognition for diverse performances and productions fosters hope for innovation and inclusivity in the industry.
In summary, the SAG Awards have strengthened the chances of “Wicked” and other contenders as they continue to influence the Oscars, making this year’s awards race particularly riveting. As artists are celebrated for their exceptional work, the anticipation grows for the ceremonies ahead.