SAG Awards Packed with All-Star Performers

Yesterday morning, Judy Greer (The Descendants) and Regina King (Southland) stepped up to the podium at the Pacific Design Center’s SilverScreen Theater in West Hollywood to announce the nominees for the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. The awards honor outstanding performances in 2011 in five film and eight primetime television categories as well as outstanding action performances by film and television stunt ensembles.

The 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will air live on TNT and TBS on Sunday, January 29 at 8 p.m. EST from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. An encore performance will air immediately following on TNT at 10 p.m. EST. They’ll hand out the stunt ensemble awards from the red carpet before the show.

According to sagawards.org, out of the top industry accolades presented to performers, “only the Screen Actors Guild Awards are selected solely by actors’ peers in Screen Actors Guild.  Two nominating panels—one for television and one for film—each composed of 2,100 randomly selected Guild members from across the United States, chose this year’s actor and stunt ensemble honors nominees.”

The award categories are stacked with fine performances—from George Clooney in The Descendants to Melissa McCarthy of Bridesmaids to the entire cast of The Help—that it’s hard for me to speculate on any shoe-ins, at least for film—except for Michelle Williams’ stunning portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in My Week with Marilyn. Many believe she is a surefire bet to win.

As for television, I have my fingers crossed for the much-deserving Broadwalk Empire star, Steve Buscemi, to win the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series sward.

And while I know some people may love the ridiculousness that is Glee, I am pulling for any other comedy ensemble to win the big award over that not-that-funny show-choiring cast. What surprises me, though—and what I consider a major snub—is that Parks & Recreation is missing from all the comedy categories. Hands down, it’s the funniest show on TV.

Looking at the stunt ensembles, Southland deserves the SAG for TV. That is not only one of the best shows on TV, but also one of the most realistic. In fact, I’m a little surprised it isn’t a nominee for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

What do you think? Who do you think was snubbed? Who do you think should win? Share your views in the comments section.

Also, be sure to check out the full list of nominees here.