HOLLYWOOD—It looks like the Oscar race will be an interesting one for the coveted Best Picture Award since “The King’s Speech” won Best Ensemble Motion Picture at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, January 30defeating perennial favorite “The Social Network.”
It’s always a blast during the opening of the ceremony to see actors such as Julianna Margulies, Melissa Leo, Julia Stiles and Jack McBrayer give stories about their acting careers. Betty White delivered a few laughs while presenting the first award with Alec Baldwin for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, which went to Steve Buscemi for “Boardwalk Empire.” Outstanding Female Actor in a Drama Series was awarded to Julianna Margulies for “The Good Wife.” “What an honor this is, I can’t tell you how I feel. I am incredibly moved,” said Margulies while on stage. In a surprise, “Boardwalk Empire” was victorious in the category for Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series. My gut told me that the cast of “Mad Men” or perhaps “The Good Wife” would win the award. It was nice to see the SAG awards pay tribute to the many actors who contribute their talents to advertising in commercials during the ceremony; a departure from the usual fare.
A stunned Betty White won for Female Actor in a Comedy Series for “Hot inCleveland.” It was great to see White win after being in the industry for such a long time. “I can’t believe this, they had to get the old broad up the stairs and that couldn’t be easy,” said White jokingly while on stage. Many expected either Sofia Vergara of “Modern Family” or Jane Lynch of “Glee” to win, but I had an idea White would win the award. “Modern Family” won for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series edging out fan favorite “Glee.” Alec Baldwin was triumphant in the category for Male Actor in a Comedy Series for “30 Rock.”
In a nail bitter, Melissa Leo won her first SAG award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her fierce role in “The Fighter.” She was overcome with emotions while on stage. “I’m much better when I have my words written for me”¦This has been an extraordinary season for me,” said Leo. Her co-star Christian Bale won for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his portrayal of Dicky Eklund. Bale was joined on-stage by the real-life Dicky Eklund, which was a pleasure to see. Acting favorite Al Pacino took home the SAG award for Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries for “You Don’t Know Jack.” Claire Danes took home the prize for Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries for “ Temple Grandin.”
As expected both Natalie Portman and Colin Firth reigned supreme in the Female Actor and Male Actor in a Leading Role for “Black Swan” and “The King’s Speech” respectively. It was a highlight of the night to hear Firth talk about how proud he was to have a SAG card in his wallet. With both the Golden Globes and Screen Actor’s Guild Awards behind us, the final ceremony of the awards season is the Academy Awards on February 27. It looks as if there are clear cut favorites in many of the acting categories, but with Oscar always expect a surprise or upset. It’s going to be an interesting show.
