SAG Awards Race Intensifies: First Screenings of 2025 Nominees Reviewed

As the awards season gathers momentum, industry professionals are engaged in the crucial process of screening contenders ahead of key voting deadlines. For members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), this task is particularly urgent, with the deadline for casting ballots set for February 21st.

Following the traditional holiday movie viewing period, which typically concludes around January 6th, attention sharply turns to films garnering recognition across various awards bodies. While nominations lists often show overlap, notable differences exist between major accolades such as the Oscars, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Critics Choice Awards, adding layers of complexity to the voting landscape.

The Screening Process Underway

For SAG voters, watching eligible films is not merely a perfunctory step but a necessary commitment to inform their choices. The current season presents a substantial list of contenders, with a target of reviewing seventeen films specifically for SAG voting purposes. This initial dispatch offers insights into the first three titles assessed as part of this rigorous screening effort.

‘The Fall Guy’: Action, Stars, and Spectacle

Among the first films under review is ‘The Fall Guy’, a production featuring prominent actors Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Early impressions describe the film as an enjoyable watch, highlighting its effectiveness as entertainment. A particular point of note appears to be the film’s execution of its action sequences, with reviewers specifically commending the impressive stunts on display. While the specific SAG nominations for ‘The Fall Guy’ are not detailed in this initial review, the film’s focus on elaborate stunt work positions it as a potential contender in categories recognizing ensemble performances, particularly the coveted SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture, a category unique to the Guild’s honors.

‘Conclave’: Papal Intrigue and Visual Storytelling

Shifting in tone and subject matter, the second film reviewed is ‘Conclave’. This drama centers on the intricate and often secretive process undertaken by cardinals to elect a new Pope. The initial assessment of ‘Conclave’ finds the film to be fascinating, suggesting a compelling narrative exploring themes of faith, politics, and human nature within the confines of the Vatican. Furthermore, the film is praised for its visual presentation, with reviewers noting the stunning cinematography that likely enhances the atmospheric weight of the subject matter.

However, the review of ‘Conclave’ includes a specific point of inquiry regarding certain performance nominations. Questions have been raised concerning the SAG and Oscar nominations received by actress Isabella Rossellini for her role in the film. While the precise reasons for these questions are not elaborated upon, such discussions are common during awards season as critics and voters analyze screen time, role complexity, and overall impact relative to the competitive landscape of nominated performances in specific categories.

‘A Real Pain’: Performance and Category Debates

The third film covered in this preliminary screening report is ‘A Real Pain’. While details about the film’s plot or overall reception are limited in this initial review, it brings another specific performance-related query into focus. A significant point of discussion centers on the nomination of actor Kieran Culkin.

Specifically, the review raises a question regarding Culkin’s qualification as a supporting actor for his role in ‘A Real Pain’. This highlights a perennial debate within awards cycles: the sometimes ambiguous line between lead and supporting roles. Campaign strategies, screen time, narrative focus, and the perceived weight of a character’s contribution to the central story can all contribute to discussions around whether an actor is appropriately nominated in the supporting or lead category. The questioning of Culkin’s nomination underscores how these classification debates remain relevant considerations for voters evaluating performances.

Looking Ahead: The Road to February 21st

These initial reviews mark the beginning of a concentrated effort to evaluate the full slate of films relevant to SAG voters. With a goal of reviewing seventeen films before the February 21st deadline, these three titles offer just a glimpse into the diverse array of performances and productions under consideration. Future installments of this screening report will continue to cover the remaining nominees, providing further insights as the SAG Awards race progresses and voters finalize their decisions.