‘Manchester by the Sea,’ ‘Fences’ and ‘Moonlight’ lead the Screen Actors Guild awards nominations
Screen Actors Guild Awards voters mostly went along with the crowd Wednesday, nominating the actors and ensembles from “Moonlight” and “Manchester by the Sea,” but, notably, overlooking the ensemble from “La La Land” in the cast category.
Among the movie pairings nominated for this year’s SAG Awards: Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone from “La La Land,” Denzel Washington and Viola Davis from “Fences” and Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams from “Manchester by the Sea.”
Approximately 75 percent of those annually feted by the guild’s voters wind up earning Oscar nominations. Last year, the film academy eschewed SAG Awards nominees Sarah Silverman, Helen Mirren and Johnny Depp in favor of Jennifer Lawrence, Charlotte Rampling and Matt Damon. Late-arriving movies are always at a disadvantage with SAG because studios often can’t ship DVD screeners to voters before balloting.
Because SAG votes so early, it’s best to think of these nominations as a snapshot of the Oscar race – taken two weeks ago. Those recognized should feel great. But some probably shouldn’t get too comfortable.
About 2,500 randomly selected SAG-AFTRA members from across the United States make up each of the two nominating committees – one for film and one for television.
On the TV side, it’s remarkable to see voters – typically a good year or two behind the times – rewarding genre dramas “Stranger Things” and “Westworld.” (Though they are still probably the only group believing that “The Big Bang Theory” and “Modern Family” are among the best television comedies.)
As the SAG Awards contest is closely watched because of its proximity to the Oscars, we’re going to focus, for now, on the movie categories. Here’s a look at who was – and wasn’t – nominated.
Film Ensemble
The nominees: “Captain Fantastic,” “Fences,” “Hidden Figures,” “Manchester by the Sea,” “Moonlight”
Surprise: “Captain Fantastic”
Snub: “La La Land”
Analysis: Voters must have seen “La La Land” as the Stone-and-Gosling show, rewarding, as they have historically done, films sporting big ensembles.
Lead Actor
The nominees: Casey Affleck, “Manchester by the Sea”; Andrew Garfield, “Hacksaw Ridge”; Ryan Gosling, “La La Land”; Viggo Mortensen, “Captain Fantastic”; Denzel Washington, “Fences”
Surprise: Mortensen
Snub: Joel Edgerton, “Loving”
Analysis: “Captain Fantastic,” a saga about an anarchic family, received the biggest boost from SAG Awards voters, scoring nominations for ensemble and its lead, Mortensen.
Lead Actress
The nominees: Amy Adams, “Arrival”; Emily Blunt, “The Girl on the Train”; Natalie Portman, “Jackie”; Emma Stone, “La La Land”; Meryl Streep, “Florence Foster Jenkins
Surprise: Blunt
Snubs: Isabelle Huppert, “Elle”; Ruth Negga, “Loving”; Annette Bening, “20th Century Women”
Analysis: Voters giving “Loving” the cold shoulder is the day’s biggest embarrassment, another example highlighting how this group rewards scenery-chewing over subtlety.
Supporting Actor
The nominees: Mahershala Ali, “Moonlight”; Jeff Bridges, “Hell or High Water”; Hugh Grant, “Florence Foster Jenkins” ; Lucas Hedges, “Manchester by the Sea”; Dev Patel, “Lion”
Surprise: None, really. Hedges would qualify as the closest thing.
Snub: Michael Shannon, “Nocturnal Animals”
Analysis: This slate solidifies the Oscar category that has been most in flux. I wouldn’t be surprised if all five go on to earn nominations.
Supporting Actress
The nominees: Viola Davis, “Fences”; Naomie Harris, “Moonlight”; Nicole Kidman, “Lion”; Octavia Spencer, “Hidden Figures”; Michelle Williams, “Manchester by the Sea“
Surprise: Spencer
Snub: Greta Gerwig, “20th Century Women“
Analysis: Overlooking both Bening and Gerwig from the actors showcase for the poignant ensemble drama “20th Century Women“ is something of a shock. Did enough voters see it? What gives?