'Spotlight,' diversity win big at SAGs
Spotlight finally garnered the spotlight this award season, winning the top prize Saturday at the 22nd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, which reflected a diverse cast of winners in movies and television.
"No way," said Mark Ruffalo when accepting the honor for outstanding cast in a movie. The win for the film, based on a 2001 Boston Globe investigation of child abuse in the Catholic Church, honors the dead victims and survivors alike "of one of the most horrific things that our culture has allowed to happen," Ruffalo said.
Although he was snubbed by the Oscars which have been criticized this year for failing to include non-whites in the major acting categories, Idris Elba was shown some serious SAG love. "Two wins in one night is incredible," Elba said after a pair of honors: outstanding male actor in a supporting role in a movie for Beasts of No Nation as well as male actor in a TV movie or miniseries for Luther.
When accepting for Beasts, the British actor pointed out that "we made a film about real people and real lives. ... Thank you for giving this film some light."
Oscar favorites and recent Golden Globe winners Brie Larson and Leonardo DiCaprio continued receiving honors, with Larson winning outstanding female actor in a movie for Room and DiCaprio capturing male actor for The Revenant.
"I feel like I was born questioning everything about reality, feeling lost and alone and always worried that I was deeply unlovable," Larson said. "Watching your movies, to all of my SAG members, ... made me feel like that was a safe place for me to explore my creativity."
DiCaprio stated that he felt "truly humbled" and thanked fellow actors in the room and those who inspired him. "As the history of cinema unfolds, you realize we all stand on the shoulders of giants."
Alicia Vikander won the award for supporting female actor for playing the wife to Eddie Redmayne's transgender artist in The Danish Girl.
While thanking her co-star, she said, "I know that acting is not in a bubble. That magic only happens between acting companions."
How to Get Away With Murder star Viola Davis won her second consecutive award for outstanding female actor in a drama series.
"People are always saying, 'Wow, Annalise is an antihero. She’s not likable. Don’t you worry that she’s not a mentor?' " Davis said. "I always think, 'Why do I have to be a hero? Why do you have to like me? And why do I have to be a mentor?' My job as an actor is just to create a human being to the best of my ability."
Kevin Spacey captured another victory in the male actor in a drama series category, and the House of Cards star honored creator Beau Willimon: “I love every second we’ve fought (and) tussled over four seasons.”
Downton Abbey snagged its third win in four years for outstanding cast in a drama series, and Orange Is the New Black also garnered repeat wins for outstanding cast and female actor (Uzo Aduba) in a comedy.
"Look at this stage. This is what we talk about when we talk about diversity," said OITNB star Laura Prepon.
Aduba acknowledged "the actors at home" when accepting her award but hoped they "continue to keep trying, to keep plugging. ... Stay in line, you have this."
Transparent's Jeffrey Tambor won honors for male actor in a comedy.
"I play Maura Pfefferman. She’s very entitled and she has a lot of money," Tambor said of his transgender character when accepting his award. "And I would just like to dedicate this award to the non-Maura Pfeffermans who don’t have a lot of cash for their operations, for their medicine, for their freedom."
Bessie's Queen Latifah won her second SAG award for outstanding female actor in a TV movie or miniseries. "I’m in shock right now!" Latifah said after doing a few bicep curls with her trophy.
In categories announced previously, Mad Max: Fury Road won for stunt ensemble in a movie and Game of Thrones garnered the honor for TV action ensemble.
Carol Burnett was also honored with a Life Achievement award Saturday. "Carol is better than all of us," said presenter Amy Poehler. "We’re gonna give her a prize for it."