Screen Actors Guild Awards ’11

As the Oscars draw closer, another major awards ceremony took place in LA last night. This time, the Screen Actors Guild Awards – for the actors, by the actors, if you will. These little statues – each called “The Actor” – are given to performers on the big and small screens.

And The Actor Goes to…

Outstanding Male Actor in a TV Drama – Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire

Outstanding Female Actor in a TV Drama – Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife

Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a TV Drama – Boardwalk Empire

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a TV Comedy – Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a TV Comedy – Betty White, Hot in Cleveland

Outstanding Ensemble in a TV Comedy – Modern Family

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, Motion Picture: Melissa Leo, The Fighter

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, Motion Picture: Christian Bale, The Fighter

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: Natalie Portman, Black Swan

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role: Colin Firth, The King’s Speech

Outstanding Ensemble Cast – The King’s Speech

There were no major surprises then – keeping in line with the Golden Globe wins, except for the best film prize, which SAG gives to the ensemble. Here we saw The King’s Speech etching out The Social Network. The Fighter looks set to take both supporting actor and actress, for Christian Bale and Melissa Leo respectively, come Oscar night. Similarly, Natalie Portman and Colin Firth are sure to be bookies’ favourites – having each added another award to their Globes and Critics Choice honours, just as Bale and Leo have done.

But then again, perhaps anything could happen.

The Oscars will also award Best Foreign Language, so in the run-up to that announcement, read this excellent piece in the New York Times about all the incredible films being made around the world you’re not getting to see.