LOS ANGELES (AP) — The cast of “Conclave” basked in their victory at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, receiving applause both on and off stage. After winning the Best Ensemble Award, Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, and John Lithgow celebrated alongside Hollywood’s biggest names, including Timothée Chalamet and Ariana Grande.
As the “Conclave” cast made their way backstage at the Shrine Auditorium, they were met with cheers from staff and fellow celebrities. Harrison Ford, who presented the award, briefly joined the group before stepping back to let them enjoy their moment.
Photographers called out for Ford to pose with the winners, but the humble actor playfully retreated. Meanwhile, Rossellini had to run back to the ballroom to retrieve her purse, and Lithgow returned to find his wife before joining the celebrations.
Jamie Lee Curtis greeted the cast with hugs and kisses, while Ariana Grande, whose “Wicked” cast had also been nominated, warmly congratulated Fiennes. “I was really happy for you guys! I was screaming!” she told him before introducing her date, Broadway actor Ethan Slater.
Legendary actress Jane Fonda, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, also joined the winners at the SAG statuette station. Fiennes took a moment to commend her passionate speech, telling her, “You nailed it. You said what no one is saying.”
As the celebrations continued, Best Male Actor winner Timothée Chalamet appeared, eager to greet the “Conclave” cast. “Where’s Timothée?” Fiennes called out before spotting him. Chalamet, who won for “A Complete Unknown,” enthusiastically congratulated the ensemble.
Lithgow, holding up three fingers to indicate his third SAG win, shared a lighthearted moment with Chalamet. The awards night threw a curveball into Oscar predictions, as “Conclave” and Chalamet’s wins disrupted expectations.
The cast signed posters and took press photos, playfully lifting their heavy SAG statuettes. Fiennes and Lithgow even tested their strength by doing arm presses with their awards.
Before heading to the after-party for official engraving, Lithgow took a moment to pose with firefighters who had been honored for battling recent Los Angeles wildfires. The firefighters later mingled with other stars, stopping by Ariana Grande’s table and chatting with Harrison Ford.
With only actors as nominees, the SAG Awards were not just a celebration but also a union gathering. Attendees received reminders about ongoing labor issues, including a historic 2023 strike and concerns over AI in the industry. Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for legal protections against AI misuse in actors’ performances.
With Oscar night just a week away, the SAG Awards added unexpected twists to the race. As Hollywood’s brightest stars celebrated, the night proved to be both a glamorous and thought-provoking event. — AP
