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| Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe in Hidden Figures |
The SAG Awards are always the most important of the year to actors because they represent the approval of peers, but they also provide an opportunity for ensemble films to shine, rather than be eclipsed by those that hinge on strong individual performances. The bi winner this year was Hidden Figures, a film whose success at the box office has far exceeded expectations based on its budget, its subject matter and its lack of A-list stars. Star Taraji P Henderson described it as a film about unity and what can be achieved "when we put our differences aside and we come together as a human race. We win, love wins. Every time."
The tone of the night was distinctly political, with many stars taking the opportunity to speak out against Donald trump's ban on Muslims from several countries entering the US. "My mother is an ordained minister. I’m a Muslim," said Moonlight star Mahershala Ali, explaining that his mother had not initially welcomed his decision to convert but that they had got past their difficulties because religious difference was a small thing compared to their love for each other.
The biggest cheer of the night went to David Harbor, who stars in Stranger Things, which won in the TV category. "We will get past the lies, we will hunt monsters," he said. "And when we are lost amid the hypocrisy and casual violence, we will punch some people in the face when they seek to destroy the weak and the disenfranchised and the marginalised."
Those film awards in full:-
Best ensemble performance
Best female actor
- Amy Adams, Arrival
- Emily Blunt, The Girl On The Train
- Natalie Portman, Jackie
- Winner: Emma Stone, La La Land
- Meryl Streep, Florence Foster Jenkins
Best male actor
- Casey Affleck, Manchester By The Sea
- Andrew Garfield, Hacksaw Ridge
- Ryan Gosling, La La Land
- Viggo Mortensen, Captain Fantastic
- Winner: Denzel Washington, Fences
Best female supporting actor
- Winner: Viola Davis, Fences
- Naomie Harris, Moonlight
- Nicole Kidman, Lion
- Octavia Spencer, Hidden Figures
- Michelle Williams, Manchester By The Sea
Best male supporting actor
- Winner: Mahershala Ali, Moonlight
- Jeff Bridges, Hell Or High Water
- Hugh Grant, Florence Foster Jenkins
- Lucas Hedges, Manchester By The Sea
- Dev Patel, Lion
