Backstage at the SAG Awards: A Night of Celebration and Camaraderie

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards are always a night to remember, but this year’s ceremony backstage was as captivating as the show itself. Following their big win for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Conclave, the film’s star-studded ensemble—Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, and John Lithgow—stepped off the stage and into a whirlwind of congratulations, photo ops, and heartfelt moments. Even Harrison Ford, who had just presented them with their award, joined the group, blending seamlessly into the excitement. As they navigated the behind-the-scenes winners’ obligations, an Associated Press reporter tagged along, capturing the joy and camaraderie of the night.

Stars Align: Backstage Encounters and Celebrations

The Conclave cast’s journey through the Shrine Auditorium’s backstage area was filled with run-ins with Hollywood royalty. At one point, a photographer called out for the group to pose, shouting, “Get in there, Mr. Ford!” Harrison Ford, ever the humble star, declined the spotlight and instead stepped back onto the stage, leaving the focus on the Conclave team. Meanwhile, Isabella Rossellini and John Lithgow briefly left the group to retrieve personal items, prompting a joyful interruption from Jamie Lee Curtis, who arrived with congratulations and kisses for the pair.

Ralph Fiennes, walking ahead of the group, stumbled upon Ariana Grande, whose Wicked cast had been nominated alongside Conclave for Best Ensemble. Grande was effusive in her praise, screaming congratulations and introducing Fiennes to her date, Broadway actor Ethan Slater. The night was filled with these kinds of warm, spontaneous encounters, highlighting the sense of community that defines the SAG Awards.

A Night of Triumph and Unexpected Turns

The victories of Conclave and Timothée Chalamet, who won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for A Complete Unknown, sent shockwaves through the Oscars predictions. Many had assumed Anora would dominate, but Conclave and Chalamet’s wins threw the race wide open. Chalamet himself appeared backstage, statue in hand, and exchanged cheerful words with Fiennes and the Conclave cast. “Hey Ralph, how’s it going? I was hoping I’d see you guys!” he said, embodying the night’s spirit of camaraderie and shared success.

John Lithgow, returning to the group with his wife, Mary Yeager, couldn’t resist a lighthearted moment when a photographer asked him to pose with his award. Holding it up, he jokingly indicated it was his third SAG win, saying, “I don’t want to boast, but…” The group’s playful energy was infectious, and even the heavy SAG statuettes—often a topic of humor among winners—couldn’t dampen their spirits.

A Union United: The SAG Awards’ Deeper Purpose

Beyond the glamour and celebration, the SAG Awards also served as a reminder of the union’s strength and solidarity. The event doubled as a rallying cry for striking video game voice actors, with fliers, videos, and a plea from SAG leadership urging support for their colleagues. Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland emphasized the need for legislation to limit the use of AI in creating actors’ performances, humorously noting, “As I look out at our guests, I see some of the most deep-faked people in the world.” The night was a powerful reminder of the collective power of the acting community.

Camaraderie and Joy: The Heart of the SAG Awards

As the night wound down, the Conclave cast and other winners made their way through the after-party, where statuettes were engraved, and final photos were taken. John Lithgow, ever the charmer, posed with a group of firefighters who had been honored earlier in the evening for their bravery during Los Angeles’ recent wildfires. The firefighters, who received a standing ovation, became a key part of the night’s story, taking photos with everyone from Ariana Grande to Harrison Ford.

Backstage, the sense of camaraderie was palpable. Even in moments like Demi Moore and Adrien Brody’s casual chat outside the restrooms, the night felt like a true celebration of the acting community. The SAG Awards are a testament to the power of unity and the joy of shared achievement. As the stars left the Shrine Auditorium, they carried with them not just their statuettes, but the memories of a truly unforgettable night.