SAG Awards show Hollywood’s diversity

In contrast to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Oscars, the 22nd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards delivered on diversity. Carol Burnett shared a moving anecdote about standing up for The Carol Burnett Show in a time where comedy variety was a man’s world as she accepted a lifetime achievement award.

And while the Academy Awards has recently been in a pool of backlash because of its lack of diversity in terms of nominees and even committee members, the SAG was very much different.

“Welcome to diverse TV”, Elba said onstage, making a pun out of the word “diversity”, which has been the topic of industry buzz since the Academy Awards nominated white performers in all of its acting categories earlier this month, prompting calls for boycotts from the likes of Jada Pinkett Smith.

The Screen Actors Guild awards were handed out on Saturday, continuing to add to the suspense of the current Oscar race.

“How to Get Away With Murder” actress Viola Davis took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series.

Elba then picked up a second award for best actor in a TV movie or mini-series for his leading role in the British detective drama Luther.

Idris Elba holding the awards for outstanding performance by a male actor in a supporting role for his role in Beasts of No Nation and for outstanding performance by a male actor in a television movie or miniseries for his role in Luther. “Thank you for giving this film some light, respect, love”.

See more photos from SAG Awards after-parties below.

Spotlight, a film drama about the true story of journalists in Boston who battled to reveal sexual abuse by Catholic priests, won the best film ensemble award, the SAG equivalent of a best film Oscar.

Globe champ Kate Winslet lost supporting actress honors to Alicia Vikander for The Danish Girl.

“I’m truly humbled by this because it comes from all of you, my fellow actors”, he said in his speech.

Journalism drama “Spotlight” won the SAG ensemble cast award in a night that was dominated by a diverse roster of winners.

Leading Male Actor was of course Leonardo DiCaprio for “The Revenant”; the Golden Globe victor and everyone’s favourite to finally win an Oscar this year.

Best actor in a TV comedy went to Jeffery Tambor for the acclaimed Amazon series “Transparent“.

Idris Elba was the only victor on SAG night that will not win an Oscar.