In a notable triumph at the 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards, “Oppenheimer” continued its winning streak, securing the prestigious outstanding cast award, along with individual honors for Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. As Hollywood gears up for the impending Academy Awards, the film, already triumphant at the Golden Globes and BAFTAs, emerges as a strong contender.
Streaming live on Netflix, a first for a major Hollywood awards show, the SAG Awards underwent significant alterations to traditional norms. With no ads and allowance for profanity, the event unfolded with unique dynamics. Backstage interviews by red-carpet co-host Tan France added an interesting dimension.
While SAG Awards don’t always guarantee Oscar success, recent years have seen alignment in the top prizes. “Oppenheimer,” leading with 13 Oscar nominations, gains further momentum with its SAG victories, reinforcing its position as an Oscar frontrunner.
The most exhilarating win of the night went to Lily Gladstone for her leading role in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” a category fiercely contested with Emma Stone. Gladstone’s win marks a significant moment, as it could make her the first Native American to clinch an Oscar.
Cillian Murphy’s triumph at the SAGs, BAFTAs, and Globes in the best actor category for “Oppenheimer” positions him as a strong favorite for the upcoming Academy Awards. Robert Downey Jr. and Da’Vine Joy Randolph also secured wins for their supporting performances, solidifying their status as Oscar contenders.
The SAG Awards, now under Netflix’s streaming umbrella, provided a preview of potential Oscar outcomes, especially in closely contested categories like best actor and best actress.
Pedro Pascal’s surprise win for best male actor in a drama series for “The Last of Us” stood out in the TV awards, deviating from the dominance of other shows like “The Bear,” “Beef,” and “Succession.”
This year’s SAG Awards followed a prolonged strike by the SAG-AFTRA union, marked by tensions over industry changes propelled by streaming platforms like Netflix.
Barbra Streisand received a lifetime achievement award, sharing poignant moments from her journey in the entertainment industry and expressing hopes for a world free from prejudice.
Netflix’s foray into live streaming events reached a pinnacle with the SAG Awards, paving the way for more diverse and innovative programming in the future.
