28 of the Most Memorable SAG Awards Moments of All Time (Including Which Actors Made History!)

Mar. 15, 2025

Mahershala Ali at the 23rd Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Expo Hall on Jan. 29, 2017, in Los Angeles; Barbra Streisand at the 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards held at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on Feb. 24, 2024.Photo:Steve Granitz/WireImage; Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Steve Granitz/WireImage; Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

TheScreen Actors Guild Awardshave given us moments that made us laugh, cry and cheer from our couches.Since its inaugural show on Feb. 25, 1995, the ceremony has delivered unforgettable speeches, surprising wins and viral reactions in Hollywood history. FromEverything Everywhere All at Once’s record-breaking sweep andParasite’s powerful standing ovation toBarbra Streisand’s tearjerking Lifetime Achievement Award speech, the SAG Awards have consistently produced pop culture gems.Whether it’s an unexpected kiss, a bold political statement or a long-overdue win (looking at you,Leonardo DiCaprio!), these highlights celebrate the magic of cinema and the people who bring the stories we love to life. Let’s revisit 28 SAG Awards moments we’ll always remember.

TheScreen Actors Guild Awardshave given us moments that made us laugh, cry and cheer from our couches.

Since its inaugural show on Feb. 25, 1995, the ceremony has delivered unforgettable speeches, surprising wins and viral reactions in Hollywood history. FromEverything Everywhere All at Once’s record-breaking sweep andParasite’s powerful standing ovation toBarbra Streisand’s tearjerking Lifetime Achievement Award speech, the SAG Awards have consistently produced pop culture gems.

Whether it’s an unexpected kiss, a bold political statement or a long-overdue win (looking at you,Leonardo DiCaprio!), these highlights celebrate the magic of cinema and the people who bring the stories we love to life. Let’s revisit 28 SAG Awards moments we’ll always remember.

01of 28Barbra Streisand Reduces Hollywood to Tears with SAG Lifetime Achievement Award SpeechBarbra Streisand accepts the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award onstage at the 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. on Feb. 24, 2024.Matt Winkelmeyer/GettyStreisand received a standing ovation as she accepted the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 SAG Awards, bringing stars likeAnne HathawayandEmma Stoneto tears.Reflecting on her enduring career, she recalled falling in love with film as a Brooklyn teen despite not resembling the women she often saw on screen.“My mother said, ‘You better learn to type,’ but I didn’t listen,” she joked. “And somehow, someway — thank you, God — it all came true.”

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Barbra Streisand Reduces Hollywood to Tears with SAG Lifetime Achievement Award Speech

Barbra Streisand accepts the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award onstage at the 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. on Feb. 24, 2024.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty

Streisand received a standing ovation as she accepted the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 SAG Awards, bringing stars likeAnne HathawayandEmma Stoneto tears.

Reflecting on her enduring career, she recalled falling in love with film as a Brooklyn teen despite not resembling the women she often saw on screen.

“My mother said, ‘You better learn to type,’ but I didn’t listen,” she joked. “And somehow, someway — thank you, God — it all came true.”

02of 28Winona Ryder Breaks the InternetThe cast of ‘Stranger Things’ accepts best ensemble in a drama series at the 23rd SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 29, 2017.Kevork Djansezian/WireImageWinona Ryderwent viral for her expressive reactions during herStranger ThingscostarDavid Harbour’s acceptance speech at the 2017 SAG Awards.As one useron X(formerly Twitter) expressed, “Winona Ryder deserves a SAG award for her emotional journey on stage just now.”

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Winona Ryder Breaks the Internet

The cast of ‘Stranger Things’ accepts best ensemble in a drama series at the 23rd SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 29, 2017.Kevork Djansezian/WireImage

Winona Ryderwent viral for her expressive reactions during herStranger ThingscostarDavid Harbour’s acceptance speech at the 2017 SAG Awards.

As one useron X(formerly Twitter) expressed, “Winona Ryder deserves a SAG award for her emotional journey on stage just now.”

03of 28

Tina Fey Shares Her Spotlight

Mark Davis/Getty Images

04of 28Simon Helberg Takes a StandSimon Helberg and Jocelyn Towne at the 23rd SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 29, 2017.Rob Latour/REX/ShutterstockThe Big Bang Theory’sSimon Helbergand his wife, Jocelyn Towne, used the 2017 SAG Awards red carpet tomake a statementagainst PresidentDonald Trump’s executive order temporarily banning all refugees from entering the U.S.

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Simon Helberg Takes a Stand

Simon Helberg and Jocelyn Towne at the 23rd SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 29, 2017.Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock

The Big Bang Theory’sSimon Helbergand his wife, Jocelyn Towne, used the 2017 SAG Awards red carpet tomake a statementagainst PresidentDonald Trump’s executive order temporarily banning all refugees from entering the U.S.

05of 28Morgan Freeman Calls Out the CrowdMorgan Freeman accepts the Life Achievement Award at the 24th SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 21, 2018.Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesLeave it toMorgan Freemantosport a baseball hatduring his 2018 Life Achievement Award acceptance speech. The actor alsocalled out an audience memberfor using their phone during his speech.

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Morgan Freeman Calls Out the Crowd

Morgan Freeman accepts the Life Achievement Award at the 24th SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 21, 2018.Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Leave it toMorgan Freemantosport a baseball hatduring his 2018 Life Achievement Award acceptance speech. The actor alsocalled out an audience memberfor using their phone during his speech.

06of 28

Mahershala Ali Celebrates First SAG Award with Poignant Speech

07of 28Carrie Fisher Presents Lifetime Achievement Award to Mother Debbie ReynoldsDebbie Reynolds (left) accepts the Life Achievement Award from Carrie Fisher at the 21st SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 25, 2015.Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images"I’m very close to this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honoree,“Carrie Fisherjoked at the 2015 SAG Awards before presenting the honor to her mother,Debbie Reynolds.Looking back, the moment became even more poignant, as both womendied just one day apartthe following year.

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Carrie Fisher Presents Lifetime Achievement Award to Mother Debbie Reynolds

Debbie Reynolds (left) accepts the Life Achievement Award from Carrie Fisher at the 21st SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 25, 2015.Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

“I’m very close to this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honoree,“Carrie Fisherjoked at the 2015 SAG Awards before presenting the honor to her mother,Debbie Reynolds.

Looking back, the moment became even more poignant, as both womendied just one day apartthe following year.

08of 28Brie Larson and Lupita Nyong’o Talk Time’s UpBrie Larson (left) and Lupita Nyong’o speak onstage at the 24th SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 21, 2018.Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesBefore taking the stage as presenters in 2018,Brie LarsonandLupita Nyong’omade a major announcement: The Screen Actors Guild and theTime’s Uporganization had created a new code of conduct to ensure the safety of actors on set.

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Brie Larson and Lupita Nyong’o Talk Time’s Up

Brie Larson (left) and Lupita Nyong’o speak onstage at the 24th SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 21, 2018.Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Before taking the stage as presenters in 2018,Brie LarsonandLupita Nyong’omade a major announcement: The Screen Actors Guild and theTime’s Uporganization had created a new code of conduct to ensure the safety of actors on set.

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A Big Win forOrange Is the New Black

Taylor Schilling (center) and the cast and creators of ‘Orange Is the New Black’ accept best ensemble in a comedy series at the 23rd SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 29, 2017.Kevork Djansezian/WireImage

“We stand up here representing a diverse group of people, representing generations of families who have sought a better life here,” she said. “We know that it’s going to be up to us — and all of you, too — to keep telling stories that show: What unites us is stronger than the forces that seek to divide us.”

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Julia Louis-Dreyfus Accepts Award in PJs

Julia Louis-Dreyfus' 2018 SAG Award acceptance speech on Twitter.Julia Louis-Dreyfus/Twitter

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ParasiteCast Receives Historic Standing Ovation

The cast of ‘Parasite’ introduces their film at the 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards at Shrine Auditorium in L.A. on Jan. 19, 2020.Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty

Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty

12of 28

Nicole Kidman Gets Real About Aging in Hollywood

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Leonardo DiCaprio Finally Wins!

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The Cast ofHidden FiguresStands Out

Their impassioned speech honored the real-life women behind the film —Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan andMary Jackson— closing with the powerful statement, “They are hidden figures no more!”

15of 28

Alison Brie Speaks Out on Embattled James Franco

Dave Franco and Alison Brie pose at the 24th SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 21, 2018.Kevin Mazur/Getty

“It remains vital that anyone who feels victimized should and does have the right to speak out and come forward,” Brie toldE! News,per theLos Angeles Times. “I obviously support my family, and not everything that’s been reported is fully accurate, so I think we’re waiting to get all the information.”

16of 28Lily Tomlin Slays Her SAG Awards SpeechLily Tomlin accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 23rd SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 29, 2017.Chris Pizzello/Invision/APEsteemed actressLily Tomlinbrought the house down with her unforgettable 2017 SAG Lifetime Achievement Award speech, offering hilarious and heartfelt advice like, “Don’t leave the house when you’re drunk,” and “WatchingOprahreally helps turn your flaws into spiritual lessons.”

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Lily Tomlin Slays Her SAG Awards Speech

Lily Tomlin accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 23rd SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 29, 2017.Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Esteemed actressLily Tomlinbrought the house down with her unforgettable 2017 SAG Lifetime Achievement Award speech, offering hilarious and heartfelt advice like, “Don’t leave the house when you’re drunk,” and “WatchingOprahreally helps turn your flaws into spiritual lessons.”

17of 28Dolly Parton Gets the Crowd on Its FeetDolly Parton speaks onstage at the 23rd SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 29, 2017.Kevin Winter/GettyFrom walking onstage, receiving a standing ovation and slipping in a few jokes about her famous curves,Dolly Partonstole the show with her signature sweet-and-sassy humor before she presented Tomlin with the 2017 SAG Lifetime Achievement Award.

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Dolly Parton Gets the Crowd on Its Feet

Dolly Parton speaks onstage at the 23rd SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 29, 2017.Kevin Winter/Getty

From walking onstage, receiving a standing ovation and slipping in a few jokes about her famous curves,Dolly Partonstole the show with her signature sweet-and-sassy humor before she presented Tomlin with the 2017 SAG Lifetime Achievement Award.

18of 28

Sterling K. Brown Wins Big

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James Hong Brings the House Down asEverything Everywhere All at OnceWins Big

From left: Brian Le, James Hong, Andy Le and Michelle Yeoh onstage at the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza in L.A. on Feb. 26, 2023.Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

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Marisa Tomei (left) and Rosanna Arquette speak onstage at the 24th SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 21, 2018.Kevin Winter/Getty

21of 28Kristen Bell Gets Shady as First SAG Awards HostHost Kristen Bell onstage at the 24th SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 21, 2018.Kevork Djansezian/GettyKristen Bell, the first-ever host of the SAG Awards in 2018, used her opening monologue to poke fun at then-first ladyMelania Trumpand her anti-cyberbullying initiative.“I have yet to see any progressmade on that problem — and I’m looking at you,Tony Hale,” quipped Bell, pointing at theVeepactor in the crowd. “You’re a bully. You guys, he’s savage on Twitter. I’m serious.”

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Kristen Bell Gets Shady as First SAG Awards Host

Host Kristen Bell onstage at the 24th SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 21, 2018.Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Kristen Bell, the first-ever host of the SAG Awards in 2018, used her opening monologue to poke fun at then-first ladyMelania Trumpand her anti-cyberbullying initiative.

“I have yet to see any progressmade on that problem — and I’m looking at you,Tony Hale,” quipped Bell, pointing at theVeepactor in the crowd. “You’re a bully. You guys, he’s savage on Twitter. I’m serious.”

22of 28

Viola Davis Continues Her Winning Streak

Viola Davis accepts female actor in a drama series for ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ at the 22nd SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 30, 2016.Kevin Winter/Getty Images

23of 28Hollywood Gives Rita Moreno a Standing OvationRita Moreno and Morgan Freeman onstage at the 24th SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 21, 2018.Kevork Djansezian/Getty ImagesThe 2018 SAG Awards audience paid respect where respect was due whenEGOT winnerRita Morenoappeared onstage topresent the Lifetime Achievement Awardto Freeman.

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Hollywood Gives Rita Moreno a Standing Ovation

Rita Moreno and Morgan Freeman onstage at the 24th SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 21, 2018.Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

The 2018 SAG Awards audience paid respect where respect was due whenEGOT winnerRita Morenoappeared onstage topresent the Lifetime Achievement Awardto Freeman.

24of 28

Kate and Goldie Present Together

Goldie Hawn (left) and Kate Hudson speaking onstage at the 24th SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 21, 2018.Kevin Winter/Getty Images

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Idris Elba Makes History

Idris Elba poses in the press room with his SAG Awards for ‘Beasts of No Nation’ and ‘Luther’ at the 22nd SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 30, 2016.Todd Williamson/Getty Images

26of 28

The Opening Gets Better

27of 28Carol Burnett Brings the TearsCarol Burnett accepts the Life Achievement Award at the 22nd SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 30, 2016.Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesComedy iconCarol Burnettleft the 2016 SAG Awards audience in tears when she closed out her Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech with a line fromThe Carol Burnett Show’s theme song, “I’m so glad we had this time together.”

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Carol Burnett Brings the Tears

Carol Burnett accepts the Life Achievement Award at the 22nd SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 30, 2016.Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Comedy iconCarol Burnettleft the 2016 SAG Awards audience in tears when she closed out her Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech with a line fromThe Carol Burnett Show’s theme song, “I’m so glad we had this time together.”

28of 28Betty White Slips SecretsSandra Bullock (right) presents Betty White with the Life Achievement Award at the 16th SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 23, 2010.Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesAt 88 years old,Betty Whiteused her 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech to joke about sleeping with some of the actors in the audience.

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Betty White Slips Secrets

Sandra Bullock (right) presents Betty White with the Life Achievement Award at the 16th SAG Awards in L.A. on Jan. 23, 2010.Kevin Winter/Getty Images

At 88 years old,Betty Whiteused her 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech to joke about sleeping with some of the actors in the audience.

source: people.com