"Wicked," the musical reimagining of the Wicked Witch of the West's origin story, has emerged as a frontrunner at this year's Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, garnering five nominations. The film's stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Jonathan Bailey have each received individual nods. Meanwhile, Pamela Anderson has earned a surprise nomination for her role in "The Last Showgirl," marking a significant highlight in the acting awards race. The Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown" also captured attention with four nominations, including one for lead actor Timothée Chalamet.
The SAG Awards, known for their role as a predictor of the Oscars, reflect the choices of around 130,000 actors worldwide who are members of the Sag-Aftra union. While several expected contenders secured nominations, the inclusion of Pamela Anderson for "The Last Showgirl" was unexpected. Anderson's portrayal of an ageing Las Vegas dancer facing the end of her career has been lauded as vulnerable and powerful.
In addition to "Wicked" and "A Complete Unknown," other films making a mark include "Anora" and "Emilia Pérez," each receiving three nominations. "Anora" tells the story of a New York stripper's romantic entanglement with a wealthy Russian's son, while "Emilia Pérez" explores the life of a drug lord undergoing a gender transition. Despite their strong showings, notable omissions include Isabella Rossellini for "Conclave" and Margaret Qualley for "The Substance," both regarded as strong Oscar contenders after their Golden Globe nods.
In the competitive supporting actor category, Denzel Washington's absence for his role in "Gladiator II" left many surprised. However, Kieran Culkin for "A Real Pain" and Yura Borisov for "Anora" secured nominations as anticipated. The leading actor category unfolded without major surprises, with all expected Oscar nominees making the SAG list. A potential upset by Golden Globe winner Sebastian Stan did not occur.
The best actress field is once again densely populated this year. As a result, several actresses who are considered frontrunners for Oscar nominations next week have not made it onto the SAG list. This development underscores the unpredictability and competitiveness inherent in this awards season.
The SAG Awards consistently serve as a bellwether for the Oscars, guiding industry watchers on potential Academy Award nominations. With a broad membership base of roughly 130,000 actors worldwide, SAG voters wield considerable influence in shaping the awards landscape.
Leave a Reply