“Wicked” has emerged as the frontrunner for the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, securing an impressive five nominations, including best ensemble. The film’s cast members Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey also received individual nominations.
The announcement of the nominations was impacted by severe wildfires engulfing Los Angeles and Southern California, leading the Screen Actors Guild to forego a live broadcast in favor of a press release. This year’s SAG nominations come shortly after “Wicked” was celebrated at the National Board of Review Awards.
In the category of best ensemble, “Wicked” will compete against titles such as “Anora,” “Conclave,” “Emilia Pérez,” and “A Complete Unknown.” Notably, the Bob Dylan-inspired drama “A Complete Unknown” secured four nominations, including best male actor for Timothée Chalamet, supported by Edward Norton and Monica Barbaro.
The best male lead category sees contenders like Adrien Brody for “The Brutalist,” Daniel Craig in “Queer,” Colman Domingo in “Sing Sing,” Ralph Fiennes for “Conclave,” and again, Timothée Chalamet. Meanwhile, Demi Moore, fresh off a win at the Golden Globes, is nominated for best female actor in “The Substance,” along with Erivo, Karla Sofía Gascón for “Emilia Pérez,” Mikey Madison for “Anora,” and Pamela Anderson for “The Last Showgirl.”
Interestingly, high-profile stars such as Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman missed nominations this year, sparking discussions about the competitive nature of the nominations. Jamie Lee Curtis garnered a spot for her role in “The Last Showgirl,” alongside nominees like Barbaro and Grande.
While Jeremy Strong is recognized for his supporting role in “The Apprentice,” his co-star Sebastian Stan did not receive a nomination. The supporting male category includes Kieran Culkin, the category’s frontrunner, and other notable performances.
The SAG Awards are widely regarded as strong predictors for the Academy Awards, often hinting at potential winners for Oscars. Past winners such as “Oppenheimer” and “CODA” reflect the awards’ influence, suggesting this year may present a similar outcome for the nominated films.
On the television front, FX’s “Shōgun” continued to thrive with five nominations, matching “Wicked” in recognition. Other shows like “The Bear” and “Hacks” also performed well.
The Screen Actors Guild Awards will take place on February 23 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, hosted by Kristen Bell, and will be streamed live on Netflix. Jane Fonda will receive the guild’s prestigious Life Achievement Award during the ceremony.
As the industry gears up for the upcoming awards season, the nominations have illuminated the incredible talent and creativity present in this year’s films and shows, paving the way for an exciting lead-up to the Academy Awards.
Overall, this article highlights a remarkable acknowledgment of cinematic achievements with “Wicked” leading the pack, demonstrating a strong year for diverse performances in film and television.