HOLLYWOOD—The Oscar race is on! The 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were handed out on Sunday, January 27 and the big winner of the night was the picture “Argo” taking home the prize for Cast in a Motion Picture. This proves what many are already expecting “Argo” to be a huge frontrunner for the Best Picture Oscar. “30 Rock” also had a big night taking home two awards including Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
The competitive race for Female Actor in a Leading Role went to Jennifer Lawrence “Silver Linings Playbook” beating out front-runner Jessica Chastain. She was completely stunned with her win as she took the stage; presented her award by co-star Robert De Niro. Its official the Best Actress prize for the Academy Award will be a nail-bitter between Lawrence and Chastain, both equally deserving of the prize.
ViolaDavispresented the award for Male Actor in a Leading Role to Daniel Day-Lewis “Lincoln.” Give him the Oscar already! This man is unstoppable; he received a standing ovation from the crowd as he took the stage. Lewis was very humble while accepting his award, giving kudos to fellow actor Joaquin Phoenix for his work in “The Master” as well as his fellow nominees in the race. He drew a few laughs indicating that it was an actor who murdered President Abraham Lincoln.
The show opened as usual with the camera zoning in on various actors and actresses telling their stories about being in the industry. Including Jane Krakowski, Alfre Woodward, Helen Hunt, Hal Holbrook, Darren Criss and Sofia Vergara. Those openings delivered quite a few highlights hear and there. Actor in a Supporting Role went to Tommy Lee Jones for “Lincoln.” The supporting actor race is one decisive category. With Christoph Waltz winning the Golden Globe, Phillip Seymour Hoffman winning the Critics Choice and now Jones winning the SAG, anyone can take home the prize come Oscar Sunday.
Actress in a Supporting Role went to Anne Hathaway for “Les Misérables.” “I got my SAG card when I was 14,” said Hathaway while accepting her award on stage. It’s pretty much a guarantee that Anne will be accepting that Oscar in a few weeks. The SAG for Male Actor in a Comedy Series was given to Alec Baldwin “30 Rock.” This isBaldwin’s eighth, yep, eighth win for portraying his infamous character on the series. He thanked Tina Fey and the cast of the series during his acceptance speech.
In the competitive race for Female Actor in a Comedy Series the trophy was given to Tina Fey “30 Rock.” She was quite surprised for her win at the ceremony, as she fought back tears. “Modern Family” proved once again they’re the show to beat edging out “30 Rock,” “The Big Bang Theory” and the cast of “The Office” with a third consecutive win for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series; thoroughly the most entertaining series on TV right now.
The award for Female Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie went to a deserving Julianne Moore for her impeccable work in “Game Change” for her portrayal of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Its hard to fathom she’s been nominated 10 times and this is her first win! This woman is incredible when it comes to acting. She thanked her entire cast during her acceptance speech. Kevin Costner continued his slate of awards this year picking up the Screen Actors Guild prize for Male Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie for his work in “Hatfields and McCoys.”
Dick Van Dyke was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by his peers. Neil Patrick Harris and Amy Poehler did a hilarious bit while introducing the nominees for Male Actor in a Drama Series. The winner was a bit of surprise as Bryan Cranston took home the award for his work in “Breaking Bad.” Many were expecting Damian Lewis of “Homeland” to take the prize, butCranstonhas been praised heavily this year for his work on the series. Claire Danes proved that she is an unstoppable force of nature winning the award for Female Actor in a Drama Series for her stunning work in “Homeland.” Victorious for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series went to “Downtown Abbey.” Quite a surprise as I was expecting either “Homeland” or “Breaking Bad” to take the award.
Now that the Screen Actors Guild Awards are behind us, the pinnacle of award shows, the Academy Awards arrives on February 24. While SAG is a strong indicator of where Oscar voters may be headed, we all now when it comes to the Oscars expect the unexpected. Surefire locks at the moment are the Supporting Actress and Best Actor races. While “Argo” is indeed the movie to beat for Best Picture, anything can happen in the coming weeks. Until Oscar night movie lovers!
By LaDale Anderson
