Sinners Upsets Oscar Race with SAG Award Win for Best Ensemble & Michael B. Jordan’s Victory

The awards season pendulum swung dramatically on Sunday night, as Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” upset frontrunner “One Battle After Another” to win the top prize at the 32nd Actor Awards, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards. The victory, streamed live on Netflix from the Shine Auditorium in Los Angeles, injects significant momentum into “Sinners’” Oscar campaign and sets the stage for a potentially nail-biting finale at the Academy Awards in two weeks.

The Actor Awards are closely watched as a bellwether for the Oscars, given that actors comprise the largest voting bloc within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. While “One Battle After Another,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, had appeared poised for a near sweep of awards leading up to Sunday, “Sinners’” ensemble win signals a shift in the narrative.

“Sinners,” a blues-soaked vampire saga, has now positioned itself as a serious contender for Best Picture. Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” had previously secured wins at the Golden Globes, the Producers Guild Awards, the BAFTAs, and the Directors Guild Awards, seemingly cementing its status as the favorite. Although, the ensemble cast of “Sinners” proved a formidable force, earning the film its most significant win to date.

Ryan Coogler, who previously steered “Black Panther” to a win at the guild’s awards in 2019, became the first filmmaker to lead two different ensembles to the top prize. Accepting the award on behalf of the cast, Delroy Lindo expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “From the bottom of our hearts, to the bottom of your hearts, thank you so much for everything.”

The night also saw a major upset in the individual acting categories. Michael B. Jordan took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, defeating the widely anticipated winner, Timothée Chalamet. Jordan, visibly surprised by the win, delivered an emotional acceptance speech, reflecting on his journey as an actor. “I wasn’t expecting this at all,” he said, adding, “Yeah, man, this is pretty cool.”

Jessie Buckley was recognized for her performance in “Hamnet,” winning the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role. Sean Penn, who did not attend the ceremony, won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in “One Battle After Another.” Amy Madigan was awarded Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for “Weapons,” delivering a charming and unexpected acceptance speech, punctuated by a self-deprecating joke about comparing awards to Barbie and Ken.

A particularly poignant moment came with the posthumous recognition of Catherine O’Hara, who won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her role in “The Studio.” O’Hara passed away on January 30th at the age of 71. Seth Rogen, co-creator of “The Studio,” accepted the award on her behalf, sharing anecdotes about her collaborative spirit and generosity. He encouraged audiences to revisit her iconic performances, citing her work in “Beetlejuice” and “Best in Show” as examples of her comedic genius.

The ceremony, hosted by Kristen Bell, largely steered clear of political commentary, though SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin offered “a prayer for peace” in his remarks. The event took place against the backdrop of significant industry upheaval, most notably the pending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount for $111 billion. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos was present on the red carpet, despite his company’s unsuccessful bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery.

The win for “Sinners” is a major boost for Warner Bros. As it heads into the Academy Awards with two strong Best Picture contenders – “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another.” The studio’s future remains uncertain as it awaits regulatory approval for the Paramount acquisition. Prior to the main awards, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” was recognized for Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble. Television awards were presented to “The Studio” for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series and “The Pitt” for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Additional individual television awards went to Keri Russell (“The Diplomat”), Rogen (“The Studio”), Michelle Williams (“Dying for Sex”), Owen Cooper (“Adolescence”), and Noah Wyle (“The Pitt”).

The evening also included a heartfelt tribute to Harrison Ford, who received the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award. Presented with characteristic warmth and humor by Woody Harrelson, the award recognized Ford’s decades-long career. Ford, 83, expressed humility and gratitude, acknowledging that his success had been a gradual process. He described the award as “very encouraging” and reflected on his decent fortune in finding his community and continuing to challenge himself with his work. “I’m indeed a lucky guy,” he concluded.