“Wicked” has emerged as the frontrunner in nominations for the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, securing a notable five nominations, including Best Ensemble. The acclaimed production also earned individual nods for lead actors Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey.
The announcement of the nominations was initially set to take place live on Wednesday morning; however, due to severe wildfires in Los Angeles and Southern California, the Screen Actors Guild adjusted plans and released the nominations via press release. This year marks the continuation of SAG’s partnership with Netflix to stream the awards.
The acclaim for “Wicked” is further heightened by its potential Oscars aspirations, particularly as SAG nominations tend to suggest future Academy Awards outcomes. The film also received recognition at the National Board of Review Awards just the night prior.
In addition to “Wicked,” contenders for Best Ensemble include “Anora,” “Conclave,” “Emilia Pérez,” and “A Complete Unknown.” “A Complete Unknown” garnered significant attention with four nominations, including Best Male Actor for Timothée Chalamet, along with supporting nods for Edward Norton and Monica Barbaro.
In the Best Male Lead category, nominees were expectedly strong, showcasing Adrien Brody for “The Brutalist,” Daniel Craig for “Queer,” Colman Domingo for “Sing Sing,” Ralph Fiennes for “Conclave,” and Chalamet.
Demi Moore continues her resurgence with a nomination for Best Female Actor for “The Substance,” facing competition from Erivo, breakout star Karla Sofía Gascón, Mikey Madison, and Pamela Anderson. Remarkably, several well-regarded actresses, including Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman, were left out of the nominations.
Additionally, Jamie Lee Curtis received an unexpected nomination for Best Supporting Female Actor for “The Last Showgirl,” alongside Grande, Barbaro, Danielle Deadwyler, and Zoe Saldaña. On the male side, Jeremy Strong’s performance in “The Apprentice” earned him a nomination, while his co-star Sebastian Stan was notably absent from the list.
The SAG Awards are traditionally seen as an essential barometer for the Oscars. In recent years, winners in the Best Ensemble category have often gone on to secure Best Picture at the Academy Awards, suggesting that the SAG nominations could have significant implications for Oscar contenders.
Looking ahead, the SAG Awards will take place on February 23 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, with Kristen Bell set to host the event, which will also feature the presentation of the Life Achievement Award to Jane Fonda.
This season’s nominations highlight not just individual talent but also the vibrant collaborative effort of ensemble casts, underscoring the depth of storytelling celebrated in this year’s film and television landscape.
In summary, the strong showing for “Wicked” and other nominees reflects a dynamic and competitive awards season ahead, with anticipation building as we approach the SAG Awards and subsequently the Oscars. This recognition not only honors individual performances but also highlights the collective artistry that brings these compelling stories to life.