As performers, we know that every role, every scene, and every moment on stage or screen is the result of hard work, dedication, and an undeniable passion for the craft. This weekend, we celebrate one of the most prestigious nights in our industry: the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards). More than just another glamorous awards show, the SAG Awards hold a special place in the entertainment industry, as they are the only televised awards exclusively honouring actors, voted on entirely by their peers.

The Legacy of the SAG Awards

Since their debut in 1995, the SAG Awards have become one of Hollywood’s most esteemed accolades. While many awards shows recognise actors, the SAG Awards are unique in that the winners are chosen by SAG-AFTRA, a union representing more than 130,000 performers across film, television, radio, and more. This means that those who receive a SAG Award are being acknowledged by fellow artists who truly understand the craft, making it one of the most meaningful honours an actor can receive.

The awards celebrate both individual excellence and the power of ensemble storytelling, recognising outstanding performances across film and prime-time television. Over the years, the SAG Awards have earned a reputation as a strong predictor of success at the Academy Awards, particularly in the acting categories.

Why the SAG Awards Matter to Performers

For working and aspiring performers, the SAG Awards represent more than just a red carpet event – they highlight the journey, struggles, and triumphs of artists who dedicate their lives to storytelling. Here’s why they matter:

1. Recognition from Peers

Unlike awards decided by critics or industry executives, the SAG Awards are voted on by actors themselves. This makes winning (or even being nominated) a deeply personal and respected achievement.

2. A Celebration of Ensemble Work

While individual performances are recognised, the SAG Awards also honour entire casts in both television and film. This highlights the collaborative nature of acting and the power of ensemble storytelling. No actor stands alone, and these awards remind us of the strength in unity.

3. The Prestigious Statuette: “The Actor”

SAG Award winners receive “The Actor,” a 16-inch tall, 12-pound bronze statuette depicting a nude male figure holding both the mask of comedy and the mask of tragedy. Beyond its physical weight, the award carries a profound symbolic weight for those who receive it.

4. Shaping the Future of Our Industry

The SAG Awards have continuously evolved to reflect the industry. In 2025, Netflix is now in its second year of streaming the awards live, marking a new era in how these honours are shared with global audiences. The industry is changing, and performers must adapt – and the SAG Awards help shape these conversations.

What Performers Can Learn from the SAG Awards

Even if you’re not yet walking the red carpet, there are plenty of takeaways from this prestigious event:

• Hard work and perseverance pay off. Every nominee started somewhere, often with years of rejection and dedication before receiving recognition.
• The industry values teamwork. The emphasis on ensemble work reminds us to collaborate, support, and uplift one another in our creative journeys.
• Success comes in many forms. Whether it’s a lead role, a character part, or a member of an ensemble, every performer contributes to the magic of storytelling.

The SAG Awards are more than just a Hollywood event – they’re a testament to the power of performance, storytelling, and community. They celebrate the journey every actor takes, from their first audition to the pinnacle of industry recognition.

As we tune in to watch this year’s SAG Awards, let’s take a moment to reflect on our own journeys as performers. What roles have shaped you? What stories do you aspire to tell? And most importantly – how can you continue honing your craft and moving toward your own definition of success?

Here’s to the performers, the storytellers, and the dreamers. Break a leg, and keep thriving!