The movie “Conclave” triumphed at the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, winning best ensemble, while Timothée Chalamet secured the best actor award, adding unexpected twists to the awards season. The Vatican-themed drama, directed by Edward Berger, emerged victorious amid concerns for Pope Francis’s health following a respiratory crisis. “Conclave” depicts the fictional papal election and received well-wishes for the real Pope from the cast.
Prior to the SAG Awards, the film “Anora” had been the frontrunner, claiming victories at other guilds. However, with “Conclave” now winning at the SAG Awards and the BAFTAs, the best picture winner at the upcoming Academy Awards remains uncertain.
During the ceremony, Ralph Fiennes, a star of “Conclave,” expressed gratitude on behalf of the cast for the recognition. Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet’s win for best actor surprised many, positioning him as a potential first-time Academy Award winner.
The SAG Awards are closely watched as a predictor of Oscar outcomes. Notably, recent SAG winners have often gone on to win the Oscars, indicating a strong correlation between the two awards.
Against the backdrop of the recent wildfires, the SAG Awards also highlighted the resilience of the entertainment industry. Jane Fonda’s impassioned speech underscored the political climate, emphasizing the need for unity and activism in uncertain times.
In the realm of television, Jean Smart and Martin Short were among the winners, with their performances recognized in comedy series categories. Additionally, Colin Farrell and Kieran Culkin secured awards for their outstanding performances in notable projects.
Overall, the SAG Awards showcased a mix of surprises and expected wins, reflecting the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry and setting the stage for the upcoming Academy Awards.
