Actor Awards: Sinners shakes up Oscars race as Jessie Buckley remains undefeated

Michael B. Jordan secured a pivotal win at the Actor Awards, with the vampire horror film Sinners claiming both best ensemble and best actor honors.

The event, now rebranded from its previous identity as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, has emerged as a reliable indicator for the upcoming Oscars. With the Academy Awards set to occur next month, this recognition carries significant weight in shaping the race for top honors.

BAFTAs and Racial Tension

Despite Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another being heavily favored for best picture at the Oscars, its recent best ensemble nomination has reignited its prospects. The film previously won accolades at the Directors Guild, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs, but this latest award positions it more strongly in the competition.

Meanwhile, Jordan’s victory over Timothee Chalamet in the best actor category has bolstered his chances for the Oscar, as the final voting period for the Academy Awards continues.

Sinners made history at the beginning of the year by earning a record 16 Oscar nominations. Jordan, who was presented with his award by Viola Davis, received a standing ovation after his win.

“From the bottom of our hearts to the bottom of your hearts, thank you so much for everything,” Delroy Lindo said after claiming the top prize of the night for best ensemble.

During the ceremony, Lindo’s win followed an unexpected moment at the BAFTAs when a racial slur was shouted by John Davidson, a Tourette’s sufferer, as he and Jordan presented the first award. This incident sparked discussions about the event’s tone and relevance.

The voting window for the Actor Awards closed on Friday, five days after the BAFTAs ceremony. Jessie Buckley, however, continued her dominance by winning best actress, completing a sweep of major awards including the Critics’ Choice and Golden Globes.

“Everybody that had something to do with this movie, you gave us your time and your talents and vulnerability and allowed me to do my best work,” Jordan reflected on his performance as Mississippi twins Smoke and Stack.

Buckley’s role in Hamnet, an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel about Shakespeare’s son, has captivated critics and audiences with its emotional depth. She praised her co-star Emily Watson, calling her “the realest of the real” and highlighting her “ferocious gentleness.”

TV Awards and Posthumous Recognition

Catherine O’Hara claimed a posthumous win for outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series, honoring her role in The Studio. Her passing in January at 71 from a pulmonary embolism, following a cancer diagnosis, was marked by a heartfelt tribute from Seth Rogen, who accepted the award on her behalf.

The Studio also triumphed in the ensemble comedy series category. Rogen was named best male actor in a comedy series, while other TV awards saw The Pitt win for drama series and Noah Wyle, Keri Russell, and Michelle Williams take top roles in their respective categories.

Owen Cooper was honored as best actor in a television movie or limited series for his role in Adolescence, though he couldn’t be in Los Angeles to collect his award. The ceremony, presented by SAG-AFTRA, was streamed live on Netflix.

Oscar voting is now open until 5 March, with the Academy Awards scheduled for 15 March in Los Angeles.