The nomination for the 2023 SAG Award, which often lines up closest to the final Oscar nominations, might give us the best look yet at which performances have really caught Hollywood’s attention this year. And while a lot of conventional wisdom turns out to be true, people get really confused about Everything Anywhere All At Once, Inisherin’s Banshees, and cate Blanchett—there are also some curves in the mix. Below, the Awards Insider team breaks down the biggest surprises and surprises.
Surprise: Darling Adam Sandler Award
Adam Sandler was everywhere in promoting the award for his Netflix basketball drama, Hustle, from accepting an honorary award at the Gotham Awards to some cast round table to Vanity Fair‘S very private Golden boy audio files. Seems to sense an opportunity after almost missing out on an Oscar nomination for uncut gems in 2020, Sandler showed the hustle. And today, it paid off, earning Sandler a spot in the best actor category alongside stiff competition like Austin butler and Colin Farrell—and well-deserved, for a role that captures both his funniest appeal and some genuine drama. Even if he’s left out of the Oscar lineup once again, it’s still a win worth celebrating. —Katey is rich
Surprise: Babylon Lands an Ensemble Nod
Damien ChazelleHollywood’s wild, three-hour walk through 1920s and 1930s was met with mixed reception, putting its chances of winning the prize in jeopardy. So it’s a bit of a surprise to see it make it into the top category of the SAG Awards, along with such clear leads (Inisherin’s Banshees, Everything Anywhere at Once, and Fabelman family, more women talking). But SAG voters can’t deny the film’s stellar cast, a mix of industry favorites (Brad Pitt and Smart Jean), newer stars (Margot Robbie) and exciting new breakouts (Li Jun Li, Jovan Adepo, and Diego Calva). Does this all-round enhancement give it a chance to win the Oscar for best picture? That remains to be seen, but at least it keeps it in the conversation. —Rebecca Ford
Surprise: Hong Chau cho Whale
Almost all the buzz around Whale took the lead, Brendan Fraser, who easily earned a leading actor nomination. But what a pleasant surprise to see Hong Chau earned a supporting actress nomination for her work as the main character’s caretaker. Chau, who also had a scene-stealing performance in Menu this year, will be against two Everything Anywhere All At Once star (Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu), newly minted Globe winner Angela Basset, and Inisherin’s Banshees‘S Kerry Condon, so this is one of those situations where the nomination itself is a win, but we hope it means more people notice Chau’s beautifully balanced performance and infinite scope. —RF
Surprise: Ana de Armas cho Yellow
Yellow not exactly a hit with audiences or critics, but de Ana de ArmasMarilyn Monroe’s successful performance was undeniable from the moment the biopic NC-17 premiered at the Venice Film Festival. And quite consistently, award voters tended to agree with de Armas previously ranked among Golden Globe nominees and on BAFTA’s long list. Now SAG has named the star among the top five best actresses Fabelman’s house‘ Michelle Williams, nothing more and nothing less, definitely the biggest hit of the day—she’s arguably given serious consideration for her first Oscar nomination. She may have go through it, but if anyone appreciates such an experience, it’s fellow actors. —David Canfield
snobbish: Glass onion: The mystery of cutlery
The hope for Netflix’s mystery comedy sequel is that, in terms of awards, it can surpass its predecessor, which received only an Oscar nomination for Rian JohnsonOriginal script of. But if there’s any place this crowd-pleasing performance will sway a constituency to signal big things to come, it’s probably the audience-friendly, much-loved SAG. favorite person. Instead, due to a poor track record on BAFTA’s long list, industry peers dealt another blow to the campaign by scrapping it altogether: both the hopeful supporting actress. Janelle Monae, and the star-studded cast itself, seems built for an award like this. At this point, the film has plenty of ground to make it into the final Academy Top 10. —DC
Surprise: Stephanie Hsu in Everything Anywhere All At Once
chameleon Stephanie Hsu, who has shown impressive range like the cranky teenage Joy and the all-powerful Jobu in Everything Anywhere All At Once, earned a well-deserved SAG nomination alongside her co-star Jamie Lee Curtis, who has appeared far more frequently in the supporting cast. Can Tu Hy Vien and Curtis create the increasingly popular “two nominations, one film” Oscar trend that, like their counterparts in supporting actors, are? Inisherin’s Banshees‘S Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan? With this SAG nomination, it’s more likely than ever. —Chris Murphy
snobbish: Is Crown Fading as a Juggernaut Award?
Yes, Netflix’s lavish series was nominated for best drama series as well as for Elizabeth Debickias Princess Diana. But compare that to the show’s final spin in 2021, when three among the nominated lead actresses, along with Josh O’Connor as Prince Charles; Gillian Anderson won along with the show’s best ensemble award. No show can be a no-challenge award forever, and SAG tastes on TV tend to change over time, shifting from Crazy man arrive Boardwalk Empire, Downton Abbey arrive strange things, etc. With the sixth and final season of Crown As we approach, we may be witnessing its award-winning swan song—or maybe just a dip before an epic finale. —KR
Snub: Where is it all? Fabelman’s house Personal Nom script?
Wait, wait, replay the movie—you’re actually telling me Paul Dano is the only individual acting nomination for Fabelman’s house? He’s great as the patriarch of the Fabelman family, and the cast has been given a well-deserved nod in the mass category, but Judd Hirsch wondering why he ripped off that shirt. It’s hard to mention that Michelle Williams wasn’t recognized for her diverse performance as Mitzi Fabelman, because oh, it’s bananas, seeing multiple lists of predictions have put her as a contender for a nomination, not to mention a strong contender for best actress. This cast is packed with memorable, master-class performances in an emotional tale of art, family, and memory, so forgive me for scratching my head first. Mistakes. Michelle Williams did Not cut your nails to be treated like this! —Kase Wickman
