The 31st Annual SAG Awards, set for Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Shrine Exposition Hall, will air live on Netflix. This year’s theme, “A Love Letter to L.A.,” aims to honor the city’s diversity, resilience, and lasting influence on global storytelling. Jon Brockett, the show’s executive producer, explains that the theme pays tribute to both the actors who build their careers in L.A. and the unique spirit of the city itself.
Produced by Silent House Productions in partnership with SAG-AFTRA, the SAG Awards are the only televised ceremony that exclusively celebrates actors. The awards are determined by votes from fellow union members. Leading the film nominations is Wicked, which has earned a record five nods. On the TV side, Shōgun has also received five nominations. In addition to the competitive awards, the prestigious SAG Life Achievement Award will be presented to Jane Fonda, whose previous honorees include Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Barbra Streisand.
Brockett emphasizes the significance of the SAG Award, calling it a symbol of an actor’s journey. “Being recognized by their peers of over 118,000 eligible SAG-AFTRA voters is a validation of the art, the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs of the craft,” he said. As the show honors only those in front of the camera—film, TV, and stunts—it is known for being more concise than other major award shows. “The show itself is streamlined to deliver two efficient hours of fun live segments, heartfelt video packages, and, unique to the SAG Awards, we never cut off anyone’s speeches,” said Mark Bracco, executive producer of Silent House Productions. “This allows actors to have their full moment.”
While the show typically does not feature a host, Kristen Bell, the first-ever host in 2018, will return this year to lead the ceremony. Bracco praised Bell’s ability to bring a “magnetic mix of humor, charm, wit, and authenticity” to the show. Bell, who is also nominated this year for her role in Netflix’s Nobody Wants This, will collaborate on an opening segment like no other at the SAG Awards.
The show is set to address the recent devastation caused by L.A. wildfires. With the nominations announcement moving online in light of the tragedy, Brockett acknowledged the resilience of Los Angeles and its entertainment industry. “We have a few things in store, including highlighting the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and its ongoing support for artists in need,” he said. Since its inception, proceeds from the SAG Awards have supported the Foundation’s programs, including a Disaster Relief Fund that assists those impacted by disasters like the recent wildfires.
Another unique aspect of the SAG Awards is its celebration of acting ensembles. The evening is a tribute to the craft, with a cherished tradition where actors share personal stories about their careers. Often beginning with humble beginnings, each actor concludes with the iconic phrase: “I’m an actor.” Brockett noted, “The ‘I Am an Actor’ stories have been part of the SAG Awards since 1995, and they remain a favorite tradition. This year’s stories will focus on how actors made their dreams come true in Los Angeles.”
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