The SAG Award nominations are out, and they’ve brought plenty to talk about. With Wicked and Shogun leading the pack, this year’s lineup highlights major milestones, emotional comebacks, and a few snubs that have people buzzing. Here’s what stood out.
‘Wicked’ continues to defy gravity
The Wicked movie adaptation pulled off something huge: five SAG nominations, tying the all-time record. It’s in impressive company with films like Chicago and Everything Everywhere All at Once. The movie snagged nods for Best Ensemble, Cynthia Erivo (Best Actress), Ariana Grande (Supporting Actress), Jonathan Bailey (Supporting Actor), and its stunt team. This puts Wicked in the spotlight as a potential Oscar frontrunner, especially since movies with this level of SAG love often go far.
‘Shogun’ steals the spotlight
Over on TV land, Shogun dominated with five nominations of its own, including recognition for its ensemble and standout performances by Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, and Anna Sawai. The series is proof that audiences and critics are leaning into more diverse and international storytelling, a trend that’s been gaining momentum in recent years.
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Comebacks and firsts
Danielle Deadwyler’s nomination for The Piano Lesson feels like a well-earned comeback. After being infamously overlooked at the Oscars last year for Till, this nod reignites her awards season buzz. It’s a reminder of her immense talent and the power of second chances in Hollywood.
Karla Sofía Gascón’s nomination for Emilia Pérez broke new ground as she became the first openly transgender actor to earn a nod in a SAG film category. This is a significant step forward for representation, and it’s exciting to see her work recognized at this level.
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Pamela Anderson also turned heads with a nomination for The Last Showgirl. A surprising contender, her performance has been building quiet buzz, and this recognition could make her a more serious player as the season progresses.
Snubs that stung
Of course, no award season is complete without surprises—and not all of them good. Selena Gomez, expected to be a double nominee for Emilia Pérez and Only Murders in the Building, didn’t land a single nod. Margaret Qualley (The Substance) and Denzel Washington (Gladiator II) also missed out, the latter earning just a stunt nomination. Golden Globe winner Sebastian Stan’s double snub was another shock, likely due to vote-splitting between his roles in A Different Man and The Apprentice.
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The road to the Oscars
SAG nominations don’t just hand out trophies, they set the stage for the Oscars. Historically, the ensemble category is a strong predictor for Best Picture, and this year’s nominees—Wicked, A Complete Unknown, Anora, Conclave, and Emilia Pérez—will likely see a big boost. On the flip side, The Brutalist, which won big at the Golden Globes, missed out on an ensemble nod, which isn’t great news for its Oscar chances.
The SAG Awards will stream live on Netflix on February 23, hosted by Kristen Bell. Between record-setting nominations and unexpected twists, this season is already shaping up to be full of surprises.
Check our the full list of nominees here.
