The nominees for this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) have sparked excitement and discussion among film aficionados. However, the announcement did not come without its share of surprises and snubs. While the recognition of talent is essential in an industry that thrives on creativity, this year some high-profile performances have notably been left out of the spotlight.
Leading this year’s nominations is the film “One Battle After Another,” which has made waves as the most-nominated film of the year, securing an impressive seven SAG nominations, setting a new record for the organization. According to Variety, this film has captured critical acclaim and audience admiration alike. But amid the excitement, the absence of certain anticipated nominees has raised eyebrows.
Cynthia Erivo, celebrated for her powerful performances, was expected to receive a nomination for her acclaimed return in the highly anticipated “Wicked: For Good.” Fans were left disappointed when her name was notably absent from the SAG lists. Similarly, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson also found himself on the outside looking in, despite significant buzz surrounding his dramatic performance in “The Smashing Machine.” This lack of recognition has sparked conversations about the criteria used for nominations and the possible oversight of deserving talents.
Adding to the intrigue, the SAG Awards opted to exclude all foreign-language performances from this year’s nominations. This choice sidelines several incredible international contenders, many of whom have garnered acclaim and brought rich narratives to life on screen. The decision has led to discussions among enthusiasts and critics alike, questioning whether this exclusion limits the diversity and inclusivity that the awards aim to celebrate.
On a brighter note, “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, continues to build momentum in this awards season, having recently claimed the Best Screenplay award at the Critics’ Choice Awards. With five SAG nominations, the film includes recognitions for both its ensemble cast and individual performances. Michael B. Jordan shines with a Best Actor nomination while Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku also received nods for their supporting performances. This recognition reflects the film’s resonance with both audiences and critics.
Another highlight from the nominations is “One Battle After Another,” which features Chase Infiniti, whose revelation as a breakout performer has been notable this awards season. The excitement surrounding Infiniti’s role adds an interesting layer to the competitive narrative of the awards.
Turning to television, the series “Paradise” earned an acting nomination for Sterling K. Brown. However, the show itself was surprisingly overlooked in the ensemble category, leading to widespread discussions about the inconsistency of recognition in such a critically renowned series. Moreover, despite receiving accolades, Trammell Tillman was left without an individual nomination, even as “Severance” landed an ensemble nod. This dichotomy raises questions regarding the awards’ assessment criteria for both individual and ensemble performances.
Erivo’s shutout from the SAG nominations is particularly striking, especially after a similar trend at the Critics’ Choice Awards. Although she remains in contention at the Golden Globes—where she is nominated but reportedly not expected to attend—this contrast to her previous successes, including an Oscar nomination last year for her role as Elphaba, is a topic of significant discussion among industry watchers.
The 32nd Annual Screen Actor Awards, now rebranded as the Annual Actor Awards, is set to stream live on March 1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Netflix. As the date approaches, anticipation will undoubtedly build around the winners, the performances, and the conversations surrounding both celebrated talents and those overlooked.