The SAG Awards 2025 Moments That Had Us Talking

Clocking in at an evening of emotional highs, long-awaited reunions, and history-making wins, the SAG Awards 2025 delivered Hollywood at its most mesmerising. With Jane Fonda’s commanding presence, Kristen Bell and Leighton Meester’s Gossip Girl-era throwback, and Timothée Chalamet’s record-breaking achievement, the ceremony reminded us why the magic of the silver screen never fades.

SAG Awards 2025 Timothée Chalamet Youngest Best Actor — Image courtesy of Michael Bucker via Getty Images

Youngest Ever! Timothée Chalamet’s Makes History At 29

Timothée Chalamet made SAG Awards history, becoming the youngest-ever winner of Best Male Actor in a Leading Role in a Motion Picture at just 29. His award-winning portrayal of Bob Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown’ has been hailed as one of the most transformative performances of his career – praise that has only grown louder following this milestone achievement.

Despite the industry buzz, Chalamet appeared genuinely taken aback by the recognition. “I was not expecting this at all, truly,” he admitted, still absorbing the moment. “This was five-and-a-half years of my life. I poured everything into playing him. It was the honour of a lifetime – he’s a true American hero.” Reflecting on his journey as an actor, he continued, “I know we’re in a subjective business, but the truth is, I’m really in pursuit of greatness. I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats.” Looking around the star-studded room, he added, “I’m inspired by the greats. I’m inspired by the greats here tonight.”

With this historic win, Chalamet solidifies his place as one of Hollywood’s most versatile young actors and strengthens his position as a major contender this awards season.

SAG Awards 2025 Kristen Bell Leighton Meester — Image courtesy of Jay L. Clendenin via Shutterstock

The Real Winner Of The SAG Awards? Kristen Bell, No Contest

Kristen Bell didn’t just attend the SAG Awards 2025 – she dominated the night. A hilarious Frozen parody, Gossip Girl throwback and a Challengers meets The Good Place skit – she delivered three viral moments in a single evening.

She kicked things off with ‘Do You Want to Be an Actor?’, a comedic spin on Frozen’s ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman?’. The song playfully poked fun at Hollywood’s cycle of auditions and rejections, with nostalgic clips of nominees’ early roles flashing on screen – cue Kieran Culkin in Home Alone, Selena Gomez in Barney & Friends, and our collective emotional meltdown.

Next came the Gossip Girl reunion we never knew we needed. In her signature narrator voice, Bell teased, “Hey everyone, Gossip Girl here. One of my sources, Lainey86, sends me this: Spotted, at table eight, Jeff Goldblum has a wicked appetite… And look who it is, not-so-lonely boy Timothée Ch…” The camera cut to Bell and Leighton Meester, casually nibbling on a piece of bread. “Leighton, none of this is gossip,” Bell quipped. “It’s just all about food.” “Sorry, I’m just really hungry,” Meester responded, nervously taking another bite. “The popes in Conclave were better at gossiping than us,” Bell joked. “I think we should pass the torch.” “Amen,” Meester agreed.

And just when we thought she was done, Bell reunited with her Good Place co-stars William Jackson Harper and Ted Danson for a Challengers-inspired skit, packed with tension. Hard to believe it’s been nine years since The Good Place first aired! Three moments, one night – Kristen Bell was the real winner of the SAG Awards 2025.

SAG Awards 2025 Shōgun — Image courtesy of FX

All Hail Shōgun’s Reign!

When it comes to television, there’s no denying that FX’s ‘Shōgun’ swept the stage. The series led multiple categories, winning Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, along with Best Female and Male Actor in a Drama Series, awarded to Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada, respectively. This remarkable success further establishes Shōgun as the must-watch series of the year. Set in 1600s feudal Japan, the show has been widely acclaimed for its cinematic storytelling, compelling performances, and rich cultural portrayal.

Accepting the award on behalf of the cast, Hiroyuki Sanada, who portrays Lord Yoshii Toranaga, shared his personal connection to the role. “I started acting in Japan when I was five years old and moved to L.A. 20 years ago,” he revealed. “I put everything, every single experience in my life, into Shōgun. Then Shōgun brought me here.”

SAG Awards 2025 Jane Fonda Life Achievement Award Speech — Image courtesy of Matt Winkelmeyer via Getty Images

Jane Fonda’s Speech Had The Room On Its Feet

At 87, Jane Fonda took the stage to accept her Life Achievement Award – and, true to form, she used the moment for more than just reflection. Rather than simply looking back on her career, she delivered a speech that was both powerful and timely, addressing empathy, activism, and the real meaning of ‘woke’, a term that has been increasingly misrepresented in recent years.

Fonda reminded the audience why storytelling matters, stating, “What we create is empathy. Our job is to understand another human being so profoundly that we can touch their souls.” She then directly addressed those who have weaponised the term ‘woke’, setting the record straight with a single, resonant line: “Make no mistake, empathy is not weak or woke. And by the way, woke just means you give a damn about other people.”

The crowd erupted into applause, but Fonda wasn’t finished. She doubled down on the importance of unions and collective action, urging Hollywood to recognise that strength comes from solidarity – especially in challenging times. She closed with a compelling call to action, encouraging unity beyond political divides: “A whole lot of people are gonna be really hurt by what is happening, what is coming our way. And even if they are of a different political persuasion, we need to call upon our empathy.” Met with a standing ovation, Fonda once again proved why her voice continues to be one of the most influential in Hollywood.

Best Female Lead Actor in a Motion Picture — Image courtesy of Jordan Strauss via AP

Demi Moore Reflects On Five Decades In Hollywood

Demi Moore took to the stage at the 2025 SAG Awards, radiating gratitude and hard-earned wisdom as she accepted the award for Best Female Lead Actor in a Motion Picture. Nearly five decades into her career, she looked back on the path that shaped her, crediting not just talent but the community that supported her along the way.

“I knew nothing about acting,” she admitted, pausing as she recalled her early days in Hollywood, joining the Screen Actors Guild in 1978 at just 16. “But I watched, I listened, and I learned from all of you. You have been my greatest teachers.”

For Moore, acting was never just a job – it was a lifeline, providing purpose, direction, and a sense of belonging during a time of uncertainty. But more than personal growth, she emphasised a lesson she hopes young actors hold onto: “To the young actors who are having to do it all, I just encourage you – don’t lose sight of the human connection. That’s the work that we do, to be connected to one another.”

SAG Awards 2025 Barefaced Pamela Anderson — Image courtesy of Taylor Hill via FilmMagic

Pamela Anderson Glows In Old Hollywood Glam – Timeless And Barefaced

Pamela Anderson, the quintessential It girl and Baywatch icon, made a striking entrance at the 2025 SAG Awards, attending in honour of her role in Gia Coppola’s ‘The Last Showgirl’. Draped in a white, one-shoulder Dior gown and flashing her signature megawatt smile, she was the very definition of ethereal.

In recent years, Anderson has fully embraced a barefaced look – a quiet rebellion in an industry that thrives on full-glam transformations. The decision is deeply personal, “I feel more like myself without it,” she shared, proving that confidence has never needed contour.

Her approach to ageing and her rejection of unrealistic beauty standards extend beyond personal preference – they challenge Hollywood’s long-standing obsession with youth. In a world obsessed with preserving youth, Anderson’s unapologetic embrace of change is a radical act. If ageing is inevitable, why fear it? If wrinkles are proof of a life well-lived, why erase them?

SAG Awards 2025 Keke Palmer Colman Domingo Presenters ‘Law & Order’ — Image courtesy of Getty Images

Turns Out, Everyone In Hollywood Has Been On ‘Law & Order’

While Marvel’s cinematic universe continues to expand, ‘Law & Order’ remains Hollywood’s true institution – and Keke Palmer was ready to prove it. Taking the stage alongside Colman Domingo to present the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, Palmer posed a playful challenge: “What if we told everyone to take a drink if they’ve ever been in an episode of Law & Order?”

The result? Absolute mayhem. As cameras panned across the audience, a wave of actors – including Timothée Chalamet and Zoe Saldaña – were spotted raising their glasses, fully committing to the joke. Domingo, not missing a beat, pulled out a flask and quipped, “If everyone who’s been on that show takes a sip, this room is about to get real lit.” And he wasn’t wrong.

With over 1,300 episodes across its sprawling franchise, ‘Law & Order’ has become a rite of passage in Hollywood, launching the careers of countless A-listers. Pedro Pascal, Leighton Meester, Keke Palmer herself, and even pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter have all stepped into its courtroom at some point.

Rachel Tang

Social Media Manager | + posts

Rachel Tang is the Social Media Manager and a contributing writer at Friday Club., where she combines her expertise in PR and Marketing with a passion for storytelling. She began writing for a media platform early in her career, which sparked a love for storytelling that still drives her work today. With a deep passion for fashion, music, and all things pretty, Rachel is always on the lookout for the next best thing – and she’s quick to rave about it to those around her.