The Hollywood Actors Association (SAG) awarded its trophies on Sunday evening (local time) in Santa Monica, California. Will Smith scooped the first SAG trophy of his career by starring in King Richard. In the sports drama he embodies the ambitious father of tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams. Jessica Chastain (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”) prevailed with her role as the eccentric TV evangelist Tammy Faye against colleagues like Lady Gaga (“House of Gucci”) and Nicole Kidman (“Being the Ricardos”).
Troy Kotsur becomes the first deaf actor to win
In the top category for the ensemble prize, the deaf drama “Coda” beat competitors like “Belfast”, “House of Gucci” and “King Richard”. “Coda” actor Troy Kotsur also picked up the trophy for best supporting actor. Never before has a deaf actor won the SAG award. The film by US director Sian Heder is about a daughter of deaf parents who wants to be a singer. Best Supporting Actress went to Ariana DeBose for West Side Story.
Stars such as Lady Gaga, Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Keaton attended the festive gala. Numerous guests expressed their support for Ukraine and condemned the Russian invasion. Keaton pointed out that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was a former actor who should now be recognized for his struggle. Some in attendance, including Michael Douglas and Tyler Perry, wore pins in Ukraine’s national colors of yellow and blue.