‘Oppenheimer’ Sweeps 2024 SAG Awards, Emerges as Oscar Favorite
The film ‘Oppenheimer’ stole the spotlight at the US Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) awards, taking home the prestigious award for best cast or supporting cast. This recognition, the highest at the SAG Awards, marked the triumphant return of performers following a strike in 2023 for improved working conditions.
Actor Kenneth Branagh, representing the cast of ‘Oppenheimer’, expressed gratitude towards SAG-AFTRA for their support during the strike. He stated, “The last time we were all together was on a red carpet from which we withdrew (due to the strike) in solidarity. This is the end of the cycle for us.”
Cillian Murphy, who portrays the tormented creator of the atomic bomb Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s film, clinched the award for best actor. Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. was honored with the award for best supporting actor, adding to the accolades the film has already received at ceremonies like the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs.
Lily Gladstone snagged the best actress award for ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’, with Da’Vine Joy Randolph winning best supporting actress for ‘The Holdovers’.
With its triumph at the SAG Awards, ‘Oppenheimer’ solidifies its position as the frontrunner for the upcoming Oscars, where it is nominated in an impressive thirteen categories.
In the television categories, ‘Succession’ and ‘The Bear’ took home top honors, continuing their winning streak from other prestigious ceremonies. Pedro Pascal emerged as a surprise victor, beating out established names like Kieran Culkin for best actor in a drama series.
The night was also marked by emotional moments, including a moving speech from actress and SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher, reflecting on the historic strike by Hollywood actors and screenwriters in 2023.
Other highlights of the evening included a tribute to Barbra Streisand’s illustrious career and a nostalgic reunion of the iconic ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ cast members Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt on stage.
As the awards season reaches its peak, ‘Oppenheimer’ stands as a formidable contender, captivating audiences and critics alike with its stellar performances and compelling storytelling.