Christopher Nolan’s film “Oppenheimer” continued its impressive run during the awards season, securing major victories at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards held on Saturday. The film clinched the coveted title of best film cast, while acclaimed actors Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. were honored with individual acting awards.
Accepting the prestigious award on behalf of the cast, Sir Kenneth Branagh expressed gratitude, humility, and pride. He acknowledged the actors’ strike that had a significant impact on Hollywood last year, and in tribute to the US actors’ union, Sir Kenneth extended his thanks, stating, “Thank you for fighting for us, thank you for every Sag-Aftra member whose support and whose sacrifice allows us to be standing here better than we were before.”
He reminisced about the evening last July when the cast of “Oppenheimer” halted their work at the film’s London premiere as the strike commenced.
Sir Kenneth Branagh (left) accepted the night’s top prize on behalf of the cast of Oppenheimer
“We moved from the red carpet, skipping the film that night, and willingly embraced the path of solidarity with all of you. So, this is a full circle moment for us,” he addressed the gathering of actors.
“We are grateful, humbled, and proud, not only to be part of Mr. Nolan’s masterpiece but proud to be in your company.”
The movie, centered around theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as the father of the atomic bomb, is highly likely to secure the Best Picture award at the upcoming Oscars, building on its triumphs at the SAG Awards and other precursor ceremonies.
The accolade for Best Film Cast is regarded as the premier honor at the SAG Awards, particularly in the absence of a Best Picture category. Winners at the annual event, held in Los Angeles, are chosen through votes from fellow actors.
Irish actor Cillian Murphy expressed the significance of his win, stating, “It’s extremely, extremely special to me because it comes from you guys.” Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Twenty-eight years ago, when I was trying to become an actor, I was a failed musician, and I felt like an interloper. But looking out at all of you here today, I know I’m part of something truly wonderful, so thank you so much.”
The competition for Best Actor had been viewed as a close race leading up to the Oscars on March 10th. However, Murphy’s victory provides substantial momentum, placing him ahead of his closest competitor, Paul Giamatti of “The Holdovers.”
Lily Gladstone’s best actress win gives her Oscars campaign a significant boost
In other developments, Lily Gladstone, the lead actress in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” secured a noteworthy victory by being named the best leading actress, providing a substantial lift to her own Oscars campaign.
Expressing gratitude during her acceptance speech, she acknowledged the challenges of the past year for everyone, both within and outside the room. She expressed pride in achieving this milestone in solidarity with various unions.
“It’s indeed a privilege to pursue this as our profession. The real victory lies in having the opportunity to be here, to be on set, and to narrate stories. We contribute empathy to a world that is in dire need of it.”
She continued, “It’s effortless to create distance, to shut down and stop feeling, yet [actors] courageously continue to feel. It brings people out of the shadows and provides visibility.” Gladstone’s triumph now makes the Oscars’ best actress category highly competitive, especially after Emma Stone secured a win at last week’s Baftas for her role in Poor Things.
The Holdovers star Da’Vine Joy Randolph continued her sweep of the best supporting actress category
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, acclaimed for her role in The Holdovers, secured the title of best supporting actress, adding another accolade to her impressive awards season streak and making her a strong contender at the upcoming Oscars. Expressing her appreciation, she shared, “I wake up every day overwhelmed with gratitude to be a working actor. In what other profession are people able to live so many lives and touch so many hearts of those they have never gotten to meet?”
Robert Downey Jr., celebrated for his role in Oppenheimer, clinched the title of best supporting actor, solidifying his remarkable performance throughout the awards season. Expressing the profound significance of the award, he pondered, “Why me, why now, why do things seem to be going my way?” Additionally, he extended encouragement to fellow actors, emphasizing that life-changing opportunities can emerge unexpectedly, urging them to persist in their pursuits.
Alan Ruck (centre) accepted the top prize in the TV categories on behalf of the cast of Succession
In the realm of television accolades, Ali Wong and Steven Yeun secured wins for Netflix’s road rage series, Beef, while Pedro Pascal was honored for his role in the post-apocalyptic drama, The Last of Us.
Ayo Edebiri and Jeremy Allen White received recognition for their contributions to the kitchen comedy, The Bear. Elizabeth Debicki claimed the title of best drama actress for her portrayal of Princess Diana in The Crown.
The Bear was additionally honored as the best ensemble comedy cast, while Succession emerged victorious in the best ensemble drama cast category for its lauded fourth and final season.
Actor Alan Ruck, representing the Succession cast, expressed gratitude for not only being part of an outstanding television show but also for forming lifelong friendships with the cast members.
The ceremony also featured a poignant In Memoriam segment, paying tribute to luminaries such as Matthew Perry, Harry Belafonte, Sir Michael Gambon, Tina Turner, Angus Cloud, Glenda Jackson, Alan Arkin, Julian Sands, Lance Reddick, Lee Sun-kyun, Tom Wilkinson, Andre Braugher, and Chita Rivera.
