The Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations were announced this morning and provided plenty of interesting surprises in both the television and film categories. It was a bigger deal on the film side, because this is the first time we’re seeing what people who will also vote on the Oscars think.
Here’s what stands out among the movie nominees. You can check out the full list here.
Rachel McAdams nominated
Sure, everyone is great in Spotlight, but Rachel McAdams was the last star anyone was expecting to get a nomination. Critics have been focusing on Michael eaton instead and many have also been championing Mark Ruffalo’s performance. Spotlight’s only other nomination came for Best Cast.
The love of Trumbo
Trumbo, director Jay Roach’s film about the Hollywood Blacklist and screenwriter Donald Trumbo, has earned a mixed response from critics. It didn’t win anything at the major critics awards over the weekend. But actors have shown a love for all things about their industry and Trumbo cashed in. The film earned three nominations - Best Cast, Lead Actor for Bryan Cranston and Supporting Actress for Helen Mirren.
Matt Damon out, Johnny Depp in
Matt Damon has been expected to be in the discussion for The Martian, but his campaign took a significant hit when he didn’t earn a SAG Awards nomination. Instead, a slot went to Black Mass star Johnny Depp.
Late releases nearly shut-out
Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight, David O. Russell’s Joy and Alejandro G. Inarritu’s The Revenant only earned one nomination - The Revenant’s Leonardo DiCaprio was nominated for Lead Actor. This could mean that actors just didn’t like these movies or that not enough have seen them. The Hateful Eight missing out on a Best Cast nomination is particularly eye-opening, since that cast is stacked with stars.
Sarah Silverman and Michael Shannon included
Despite starring in two little-seen films, Sarah Silverman and Michael Shannon nominated for I Smile Back and 99 Homes respectively. For Silverman, it’s recognition that her attempt at taking a serious turn was appreciated. I Smile Back is already available on VOD.
As for 99 Homes, the film, which co-stars Andrew Garfield, has been earning Shannon critical awards. But it’s hard to see how the Oscars would shut-out Spotlight in the Supporting Actor category like the Screen Actors Guild did.
The SAG Awards airs on TBS and TNT on Jan. 30.