Screen Actors Guild Awards
Acceptance Speech Transcripts
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INAUGURAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ...........................................................................................2
2ND ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS .........................................................................................6
3RD ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ...................................................................................... 11
4TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ....................................................................................... 15
5TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ....................................................................................... 20
6TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ....................................................................................... 24
7TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ....................................................................................... 28
8TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ....................................................................................... 32
9TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ....................................................................................... 36
10TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ..................................................................................... 42
11TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ..................................................................................... 48
12TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ..................................................................................... 54
13TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ..................................................................................... 59
14TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ..................................................................................... 65
15TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ..................................................................................... 70
16th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ...................................................................................... 75
17th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ...................................................................................... 81
18th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ...................................................................................... 87
19th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ...................................................................................... 92
20th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ...................................................................................... 98
21st ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS .................................................................................... 105
22nd ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS ................................................................................... 111
23rd ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS.................................................................................... 117
24th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS .................................................................................... 123
25TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS 127
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 2 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
INAUGURAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
1. Tom Hanks
Film Forrest Gump
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you. Thank you. I love that this man is holding the masks of comedy and tragedy. They’re both
so hard to do and actually they’re almost mirror images of each other. Both of them will make you lose
sleep, question your motives, wonder why you’re there, wonder why you’re doing this in the first
place. But if you’re crazy enough to want to do that in a medium that never lets you forget you were
there in the first place. That lives forever. You can get one of these: a Screen Actors Guild card. I got
mine for the pilot of Bosom Buddies. My wife got hers for playing a cheerleader on the Brady Bunch.
We’ve all got our wonderful stories and our wonderful memories that are connected with this.
If you’re lucky enough you get to work in an ensemble with Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally
Field. And get to work under the guidance of Steve Starkey, Wendy Finerman, Bob Zemeckis, Eric Roth.
If you’re really lucky you get to be singled out with Morgan Freeman, Tim Robbins, John Travolta, with
Paul Newman. I say I’m the luckiest man in the world because I’ve got the most gorgeous wife, who I
would say is Miss SAG of 1982. I’m not sure, but you get to have a moment like this in front of all you,
my peers. Thank you, thank you.
1. Jodie Foster
Film Nell
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
[was not in attendance]
1. Martin Landau
Film Ed Wood
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
This has been an amazing year for me. You know I have to thank Tim Burton for seeing me in this part
when I didn’t see myself in the part. He said there was no other actor he wanted for this part… and it’s
great to get a part where audiences can laugh a little, cry a little and maybe think a little. And it was a
great honor to play this actor who is really gifted. It was sort of homage to actors. I joined SAG in 1952.
It wasn’t my first union. My first was Equity and then AFTRA because it was live television. So I started
in theatre and went to live television… and then I became a film actor by default. In that I was doing
Sigma Core films and stuff like that in New York. And, uh, it’s been a long trip. There are 78,000 actor
members of SAG. This is a very meaningful thing to me because it’s my peers and I love actors, I care
about actors, they are my life. Ten years ago, there were casting directors who wouldn’t see me,
agents that wouldn’t represent me and I know how tough it is to get a job and then when you get a job
to do the job well. It’s a tough, tough life: peaks and valleys, life and career. This is a peak and I gotta
say, I hope I live long enough to work with every one of those 78,000 people.
1. Dianne Wiest
Film Bullets Over Broadway
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
[was not in attendance]
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 3 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
1. Joanne Woodward
Television Breathing Spaces
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
1. Raul Julia
Television The Burning Season
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[Accepting this award for Mr. Raul Julia, Mrs. Merel Julia]
Raul was surrounded by many wonderful people from The Burning Season. John Frankenheimer is a
great director. The wonderful producer David Cutlem and all the producers at HBO: Robert Cooper,
Michael Hughs, and Hutch Parker. His wonderful and incredible cast: Edward James Olmos, Sonja
Braga, Bill Mastrosimone, Jose Perez, Kamala Lopez-Dawson, Nigel Havers, some wonderful friends
there.
He was thrilled to play Chico Mendes, a man of conviction, a man who was committed to human
beings. I think you see shining through his own performance, his own commitment to human beings.
That being his commitment that drove him through his adult career, which was the end of hunger and
to the millions of people who die of hunger needlessly every year in and year out.
Raul had a wonderful, incredible, fantastic life. He didn’t live as long as many years as I would have
wanted him to, but he lived them fully. He was joyous and gave a lot of joy to many people. He was
about the only person I know who could sit in a restaurant or maybe even here and all of a sudden
burst into song because it bubbled up from inside of him and that was natural for him. And with all of
that he would say to me, “I only have the moment, I have to live the moment. And I’m most alive when
I’m working, when I’m acting.” So I know that tonight he would be very honored to accept his award
from you, his acting peers in the profession he loved so very, very much. And be in the company he
was in with all the wonderful actors in his category.
So, from myself, from our children, from Raul’s friends and his family and all of his fans this means a
great deal to us. Thank you very, very much.
1. Kathy Baker
Television Picket Fences
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
I just don’t know really how to tell you all how much this means to get an award for acting from actors.
I have to thank David Kelley for seeing me in this role. I think David has written me one of the best
roles ever, regardless of gender or any medium actually. I think he knows how I feel about it.
I want to thank every single person who works on Picket Fences. I love you all. Thank you for making
me look so good. Thank you to my oldest son, who’s here tonight, for keeping my feet on the ground. I
don’t know what I would do without you and your beautiful, little brother and your most excellent
father. Oh ah, times up it says.
I can hardly carry this thing. I hope you all get to feel this someday. It’s incredibly heavy. Thank you
very much. Thank you.
1. Dennis Franz
Television NYPD Blue
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 4 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Wow, get the car. I guess it’s safe to say that ah, [gestures to other male nominees] that there is life
after hair. Thank you.
I am very honored to be the first recipient of this award. And it would be impossible for me to accept it
without acknowledging the wonderful cast, which I think is the best cast on television. I have to give
respect for the people responsible for creating the characters that we are fortunate enough to bring
each week to the show. And that is Steven Bochco, David Milch, Gregory Hoblit are wonderfully gifted
writers.
I need to thank Judith Moss, Jack Fields, Sam Gore, Cynthia Synder for making my life easier so I can
work.
And on a personal level, my bride-to-be Jonie Zack and our two wonderful girls, Tricia and Krista, who
make my life complete. I am a very lucky man. Thank you very much.
1. Helen Hunt
Television Mad About You
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Thank you very much. This furthers my theory that I am currently the luckiest woman that I know. First
of all, Paul Reiser, with all due respect to everyone in this room, is the best. Not only the funniest
person I’ve ever seen, but the best actor ever. And I feel that I have been graced to work with this
person every day. It’s like getting to play the best acting tennis ever, every day. So I’m incredibly lucky.
Anne Ramsay, Leila Kenzle, and John Pankow are laughing right now because I forgot to thank them
when I won the Golden Globe, A, and B Paul and I have gotten a lot of attention from this show and
the truth is there are five of us and they’re not only incredibly talented and incredibly funny, but my
dear friends. So I’m honored to get to work with them.
Our writers Danny Jacobson and Jeffrey Lane and our whole staff of writers, they’re why we’re here
and I’m standing in front of you. I’d like to thank my manager, Connie Tavel, Stephen Huvane, and
Adam Venit.
And, thank you very much.
1. Jason Alexander
Television Seinfeld
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
I had money on everybody else. I’ve never been so unprepared for anything. I’ve thought of nothing, I
don’t even know who else is in the show.
Thank you, NBC; I should do that because I’ll be out of a job one day. And, they’re checked off. Thank
you, everyone at table six, even Jane Seymour because you’re lovely to sit with.
I just have the best job in TV and it’s a pleasure to go to work every day and have as much fun as I do
and get paid for it and get things like this [holding up The Actor® statuette]. And most of that, the
success that I’ve enjoyed, is due to two people in particular, my pals: Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. For
making me look so stupid each week.
I also want to thank my family, who’s in town. Mom, Jaime, Dad, Sister, and that beautiful woman I’m
sitting next to is my wife, Dana, who actually tells me how to do it every week, and my little boy
Gabriel at home.
Thank you very much. I am very flattered by this. Thank you.
1. Television NYPD Blue
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 5 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
HENRY SIMMONS: I guess I’ve been elected. We’ve been through a lot as a cast together, if you can
imagine to get the floods and fires, and earthquakes, Donald Wildmen, David Carnos departure… but
we’re here and I guess that’s the important thing. We would all like to thank Steven Bochco for obvious
reasons. David Milch, Greg Hoblit, Mike Robbin, Jenny Laurie, Alexis Noblo, our cast and our wonderful
crew. Thank you very much.
1. Television Friends
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
JERRY SEINFELD: Yeah, I know it’s hard to believe in a town with this much plastic surgery that you can
even give out a SAG Award. But, I always open with a joke. This is really, really something to be
honored as an ensemble because I know I speak for all of us when I say we, we take our group work
very seriously. We love to work together and before each show we all kind of get together and hold
hands. We love to work together and so we’re really glad to be honored in this way. Thank you very
much.
1. George Burns
SAG Lifetime Achievement Award
Thank you. Thank you very much. Now I’m gonna do something that’s not easy to do. I’m gonna sit
down.
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 6 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
2ND ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
2. Nicolas Cage
Film Leaving Las Vegas
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you very much. I hope that [indicates The Actor® statuette] doesn’t fall down.
I wanted to talk a little bit about the fact that when I was fifteen years old, I’ll never forget going into
the new Beverly Cinema and seeing James Dean in East of Eden for the first time trying to give
Raymond Massey, who played his dad, the money he made from the Massey and refusing to accept it. I
was heartbroken. I empathized. It was like a medium to me at that age. And, it was at that moment I
knew I wanted to be an actor. No song, sculpture, painting, concert ever affected me as much as that.
And how many of us can mark periods in our lives the memories of great performances such as Lon
Chaney in Phantom of the Opera, Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry, and Betty Davis in All About Eve, and
Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. How many great performers are still out there
struggling, dying for their craft. I respect all of them. I respect all of you. I didn’t go to college. This is
my university and I’m going to have to consider this award to be my degree.
I’m honored to accept it. Thank you. Let me thank my beautiful wife, my mother and my grandmother.
Thank you very much.
2. Susan Sarandon
Film Dead Man Walking
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you, thank you actors. This is so, so great to get out of my seat for a change. It’s really
disorienting and I have some people I’m going to thank in case I never get out of my seat again.
First of all, thank you all for including me with all these great lucky actors that had a chance to have a
good part this year. I’d like to thank Sister Helen Prejean for living her life, for trusting us with her life
into our lives. I’d like to thank Arleen Donovan for showing me the book. I’d like to thank my dear
friend Sam Cohn and Eileen Goldsmith for forcing people to make it. I’d like to thank PolyGram and
Working Title, Tim Evans and Michelle Hume, Russell Swaite, Allen Leyer for giving us $4.95 to make it.
And Sean Penn, for his intelligence, his humor, his courage and his hair do. Half of this is definitely
yours.
And finally, most importantly the writer, director, and my partner in crime, Tim Robbins, for putting
aside his project to do this one, for writing such a brilliant script and putting humanity first. And giving
everybody on every side of this issue a human face for his incredible vision and dedication to that
vision without which no one would have anything. To put it in hockey terms, I just kept hitting the post
until you came in to assist. Thank you very much.
2. Ed Harris
Film Apollo 13
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Thank you all. I just love to act. I really do. I keep thinking there’s something else I’ll get good at. I just
keep trying to get better and thank you for this.
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 7 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
It gives me chance to thank a really great group of actors. Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon were all
prepared to go up to the moon while a group of about 40 of us were in mission control working four or
five weeks at Universal Pictures. And this was a great group of actors. Ron Howard assembled a great
group of guys and we worked really hard together. And, I hope a lot of them are watching this because
this is for you guys as well as me.
I am really appreciative talk about support. This was I just can’t tell you how hard we worked
together and how much we wanted the film to work. Some of these guys are on the screen for all of
two seconds but they were there every day all day long working their butts off.
I have to thank Brian Grazer and Ron Howard. I’ve got to thank my beautiful wife Amy. I’ve also got to
thank God and Mother Earth for the precious gift of life. Thank you.
2. Kate Winslet
Film Sense and Sensibility
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
[was not in attendance]
2. Film Apollo 13
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
TOM HANKS: Thank you, we are delighted. Our ensemble effort on camera was rooted in the research
that we did and the reality of the ensemble efforts of thousands of Americans. Men, women, and
children who in the decade of the 1960s figured out a way to send a man to the moon and return him
safely to Earth.
Thank you for recognizing our efforts, and also their efforts by way of dedication, I think.
On behalf of all the cast, let me say that a man by the name of Chris Kraft was to America’s manned
lunar project what a certain man by the name of Ron Howard was to the filming of Apollo 13. We
salute you and we salute our fellow actors.
Thank you very much.
2. Alfre Woodard
Television The Piano Lesson, Hallmark Hall of Fame
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Oh my, Oh wow. I have to put this down, this is really heavy is it going to fall? Thanks, thanks, just like
thank you Screen Actors Guild, all of my friends, all my
I have to remind myself that this is going out to millions. I see my friends here tonight and we’re so
used to cutting up together and the suits out here, except the suits we like so I have to behave
myself. But I am just so psyched. This is like really, really excellent. Thank you so much.
I am so grateful that my life has led me to this community of people. I can’t imagine spending my life in
any other industry. We’re vagabonds, clowns, queens, crackpots. You are my friends. You are my
partners. There is no performance I think I have ever done that has been a vacuum.
We are only as good as we are to each other and I just... I’m so happy and thrilled. I want to remind us
that we must never judge ourselves by other people’s opinion of us. We got to find some way…
searching to come to a respect and love and an honesty about ourselves, about our craft. And to all of
us, many of us, for most who are at home, who are never working, who are seldom working, who are
not just trying to fashion a career, just trying to pay the rent. You hang in there, keep the faith and
celebrate that fact right now.
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 8 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
This is so cool, this kind of makes me laugh when they say, “and The Actor® goes to.” Now I got to find
him some work too. Thank you.
2. Gary Sinese
Television Truman
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
2. Gillian Anderson
Television The X-Files
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
I have absolutely nothing to say. I didn’t expect this at all. Um, where did you people come from?
Thank you to SAG and all of its members for nominating me. Thank you to my husband for being with
me through this time. My nanny, for making these hours work, even possible. The writers Glen
Morgan, James Wong I am forgetting all of them right now. That’s okay… they’re not even with the
show anymore.
But, hell… okay. I’ll wrap now. Chris Carter, thank you, Executive Producer. All of the direction David,
I love you. And my daughter, Piper, for waking me up.
2. Anthony Edwards
Television ER
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Wow. Hey. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thanks. Thanks.
Every week we employ half of the Screen Actors Guild on our show, so I appreciate that. Thank you to
members of SAG, who I’m proud to be a part of. I’m also very proud to be part of an incredible group
of actors: Julianna Marguiles and Noah Wyle and Eriq La Salle and Sherry Stringfield and Laurie Reuben
and George Clooney who I’ll hopefully play his Bat Boy to his Bat… uh, I don’t know to his… Cat Boy,
I don’t know what I can play.
Most importantly, I have to thank my wife who supports me constantly and I love and adore Jeanine
Lobell. And uh, in trying to think of who to dedicate this to, it makes me think about the fact that it’s
unfortunate that we live in a country in which we don’t provide healthcare to all of our people,
because we’re obsessed with the survival of the fittest. So, this goes to all the real EMTs, the real
emergency docs, the real nurses, who are taking care of people all over the country and we’re thankful
to them and we hope we continue to portray them in the light in which they work.
Thank you all! I love you. Goodnight.
2. Christine Baranski
Television Cybill
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Sean handed me my second Tony Award. This is the first time I have been nominated in the leading
actress category. I think it is wonderful that it would come from my fellow actors. I must have worked
with all of you at some point off-Broadway.
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 9 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
I thank everyone from Cybill, my darling colleagues: Alan, Alicia, and Dede, and wonderful Cybill who
couldn’t be here tonight. My producers, our hard-working writers, the wonderful Andy Wayman our
director.
There is a quote from William James that I remember from acting school, “We work in the dark, we do
what we can, our doubt is our passion and our passion is our task the rest of the madness is art.” I
know how awkward we all feel about using the “A” word “art” but suffice it to say, given from my
peers, this is such an encouragement to keep trying to do good work. This means so much to me, thank
you.
2. David Hyde Pierce
Television Frasier
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
It’s very humbling to get an award like this, which has better legs than I do.
Thank you. Thank you. I want to thank everyone who voted for me. My fellow Sagees and Sagettes.
And I want to say I am as honored to be nominated with Kelsey and Paul and Michael and Jason as I am
to be working with Kelsey and John and Jane and Perry.
And finally I want to say I got seen for this job because I look like Kelsey Grammer. I based the
character of Kelsey’s early years on Cheers. I am continuously inspired by Kelsey every day.
So, I just want to say thank you. This represents my ability to learn from and steal from the best.
2. Television ER
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
ANTHONY EDWARDS: Thank you very much. This is like half of our ensemble. George and Noah
obviously aren’t here. And Sherry and Eric, but there here in spirit sending their regards.
First I have to thank a group of people I didn’t thank before which is Warren Whitfield and Don
Warmen for their support. Tony Jonas, John Wells our creators and our studio.
But when it comes to an ensemble, this is an amazing ensemble and I have to read their names and
you have to meet all of them. Abraham Benrubi, Yvette Freeman, Ellen Crawford, Deezer D you can’t
mess with him, he’ll kill ya, Vanessa Marquez, Laura Innes, Connie Marie Brazelton, Bill Masey,
Christine Elise.
And this honestly, this is truly an award we wanted to win tonight because that’s what we do, we work
as a group. So all you, everybody else who NYPD, everybody, we all know what it’s like to do an
ensemble. This is our first time out. We respect all of your work so much. Thank you for honoring ours.
2. Matthew Perry
Television Friends
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
We’ll very fitting to get this award from this man, Ted Danson, whose show inspired us. This is an
informative night for me because I always thought this award was a wardrobe award, so that’s kind of
nice to know now. We’re thrilled and amazed and so honored to be included in a group with such great
shows and we have to thank: Marta Kauffman, David Crane, and Kevin Bright for bringing a great script
every week. And, all the people at NBC and all the people at Warner Brothers. Tony Jonas, Les More.
And Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 10 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
LISA KUDROW: Jennifer Anniston
MATTHEW PERRY: Jennifer Aniston, I know! Couldn’t be here tonight because they’re doing publicity
for the show and thank God for that! Because we’ve got to get a way to get this show out there to let
people know that its about friends that drink coffee and say funny things. But ah, we’re honored to be
honored by you all the actors and wow! Okay.
2. Robert Redford
SAG Lifetime Achievement Award
The biggest reason I’m honored is that I think that probably the most meaningful award at least to me
is an award where your voted on or celebrated by your peers. And that’s what this seems to be, so I
couldn’t be more honored. As for the award itself, I feel mixed brain about something that says
Lifetime Achievement when I think my life is still going and my work is a work in progress. So, its kind
of hard to know how to be with this except to be flattered and to be honored and to thank you. And to
say that I will accept this in the spirit in which its given and use it as support to keep going. Thank you.
And thank you Tom.
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 11 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
3RD ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
3. Geoffrey Rush
Film Shine
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you very much, Screen Actors Guild.
The scenario for me is someone shakes me on the shoulder and says wake up and realize I’m in shorts
on my sofa in the middle of summer in my back room. And they tell me I wake up and say, a little bit
like a cloved cat really, end up on the ceiling jittering and then I come down. So I had this weird dream
I was in a tuxedo. I was nominated with Woody, Ray, Tom, and Billy Bob and they laugh at me. To all
you guys, to be in your company, I can’t quite express what this means.
However transitory it might be I hope we as a group, on behalf of all actors here tonight, in some way
represent the diversity of continuing film making globally in some small way.
They tell me that this [indicates The Actor® statuette] weighs 10 pounds. 96.67 of it goes to Noah and
Alex, who played young David Helfgott.
Thanks to Scott Hicks and Jan Sardia for allowing me to work with actors like Lynn Redgrave, Armin
Mueller-Stahl, and John Cousins.
And I just wanted to add that I have said to David Helfgott himself, that he does have my permission
whole heartily to get up and do me at parties. Thank you.
3. Frances McDormand
Film Fargo
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Oh, thank you. I’m unemployed at the moment so this really exciting.
As all we actors know, no performance is without collaboration. And I could name every single crew
member and actor on Fargo, but we all followed two men: Joel and Ethan Coen of Minnesota and
North Dakota for inspiration and forgave them and probably did some of our best work.
Two of my goals as an actor are to confound expectations and to gain the respect of my peers. And if
that’s what you’re telling me tonight, thank you very much. I am very grateful.
3. Cuba Gooding Jr.
Film Jerry McGuire
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
[was not in attendance]
3. Lauren Bacall
Film The Mirror Has Two Faces
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
[was not in attendance]
3. Film The Birdcage
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
[was not in attendance]
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 12 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
3. Kathy Bates
Television The Late Shift
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
I am so proud to be here, so proud to be an actor. And I would like to say how proud I was to be
nominated with Anne Bancroft, Stockard Channing, Sicily Tyson, and the amazing, elegant, and
courageous Jenna Malone.
I would also like to thank HBO for taking risks and Ivan Rightmont for his patience and Betty Thomas
for believing in me.
And I would finally also like to pay tribute to the memory of Helen Cutshnik, whose life inspired the
work. This is for you.
3. Alan Rickman
Television Rasputin
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
3. Gillian Anderson
Television The X-Files
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
I’m going to read. This is something that our creator Chris Carter has written and something I’m
supposed to perform tomorrow and obviously I’m not prepared. That what can be imagined can be
achieved. That you must dare to dream, but there is no substitute for perseverance and hard work and
teamwork because no one gets there alone.
While we commemorate the greatness of these events and the individuals who achieve them, we
cannot forget the sacrifice of those who made these achievements possible. With that in mind, there
are a few people I would like to thank.
First and foremost David Duchovny, my cohort in crime. Without you I wouldn’t be here. You amaze
me. Connie Friedberg, my manager, without whose voice of reason, humanity, humility, and comic
relief I would not be standing here today. Michelle Stern, Peter Livingston my two agents who have
been busting their respective balls, butts sorry on my behalf and to gratefully comprehend that no
means no. Randy Stone, a friend and a genius in my eyes, who casts the show. And last but certainly
not least, our crew. We have been blessed with the most creative, hard-working ballsy see I said it
twice- collection of human beings that anyone could ever dream of having on their team and this is for
all of you. Thank you.
3. Dennis Franz
Television NYPD Blue
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
I do, I owe you money Jimmy Smits, Jimmy Smits, Jimmy Smits. I’m not going to screw his name up this
time.
Um, you know this gets a little overwhelming and I thank you so very much. I have the pleasure of
working with that guy that I admire so very, very much on a daily basis and it’s a blessing that I get to
work with a guy like Jimmy everyday - and that in itself is a great reward.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank our wonderful cast. I am not going to name all their names
because I’ll probably forget them.
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
I have to acknowledge the man who’s most responsible for every word that us actors speak on the
show and he fights tooth and nail for everything we do and say on our show and without him there
would be no NYPD Blue. We all admire and respect and love David Milch. Steven Bochco, thanks for
the job. Thanks for not killing off Sipowicz the first year. Bill Clark, Mike Robin, Mark tinker, Bob
Doherty thanks for being there everyday guys. Judith Mess, Sam Gorrs, Cynthia Synder.
My beautiful wife, Jonie, our two wonderful kids Tricia and Krista. Thanks for making me lucky to be an
actor. Thank you all.
3. Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Television Seinfeld
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Well, thank you very much, all of you actor people. In particular I’d like to thank some very special
members of the Screen Actors Guild: Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards. Without
whom I’m nowhere and I love them very much. They know that. Thanks very much.
I would just like to say a special thanks to my, my husband, Brad Halls, who’s just fantastic. Thank you
very much.
3. John Lithgow
Television 3rd Rock from the Sun
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Thank you so much. This is a particular honor being an award that comes to actors from actors.
I have had a couple of opportunities this year to thank the loud, raucous, happy group at that table
there. So I would like to do something a little different in the spirit of this evening, this actor friendly
evening. I would like to pay special tribute to the other gentlemen in my category.
To an actor I saw in his brilliant, Tony-winning performance in Jerome Robbins' Broadway, long before
anyone had ever heard of George Costanza, Jason Alexander. To an actor whom I saw set an amazing,
warm, happy, creative tone on the set of Frasier when I was a guest voice on that show, Kelsey
Grammer. To an actor, who 15 years ago, in my twelfth Broadway show, had his Broadway debut and
walked on stage and got the biggest laughs of the show, David Hyde Pierce. And finally to one of the
funniest men on television, who I am shamelessly imitating about 50 percent of the time on 3rd Rock
from the Sun, who without even knowing it was largely responsible for me even trying comedy on
television, Michael Richards.
Gentlemen, I am very, very proud to be in the same category with you. To all the rest of you, I am
proud to be in the same profession as you. Thank you very, very, very much.
3. Television ER
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
ANTHONY EDWARDS: George said to say something nice. We are an ensemble, we are an ensemble of
eight actors every week. We’re also an ensemble of probably 50 day players and guest stars that come
in, that make up most of the Screen Actors Guild. So we share this with everybody who’s come on our
show, and we have lots more roles coming up so you don’t have to worry about that. They keep dying
for some reason, I don’t know. We keep bringing them back.
This truly is an ensemble, but we also work with a crew of people on Stage 11 at Warner Brothers. That
is, those thankful people who are as much a part of our family as we are to each other and we are to
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our own family. We share this with our crew and excellent writers on our show. We thank you very
much for watching. Thank you.
3. Television Seinfeld
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
JERRY SEINFELD: My name is Jerry Seinfeld, and I’m a bad actor. But I think I have proven convincingly
that you can do very well in our business if you are smart enough to surround yourself with these
spectacular talents that I have here beside me: Jason Alexander, Michael Richards, and Julia Louis-
Dreyfus.
I would also like to mention our wonderful director, Andy Acklemen, who’s helped us in a thousand
ways and takes in shows that really people would not want to do and does the so well.
So we are enormously honored and thrilled. We wanted to win this and we’re so happy that we did.
I also think that the people who don’t show up should forfeit. If you don’t show up, the award goes to
people who dressed up and come in here. Thank you.
3. Angela Lansbury
SAG Lifetime Achievement Award
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Glenny, its so dear that you remembered our meeting. I still have a
little dish that you gave me and I use it as a stopper for a teapot that I broke the top off and I always
think of you every time I use it. I feel so enormously honored to receive this most heart-warming life
achievement award from the organization of my peers, the Screen Actors guild. And I do thank Richard
Masur and the membership most dearly. It’s a particularly lovely occasion for me because my whole
family is here with me. My beloved husband Peter who must take credit for supporting and guiding me
through these many years. And my wonderful children Anthony, Deidre and David, all of whom have
joined me in the great adventure of the family business. You know over the past 54 years I’ve been
fortunate to have worked with some of the greatest talents in our business. Actors, directors, writers,
producers, composers, lyricists, yes - and animators and wonderful wonderful crafts peoples, crews,
carpenters, lighting, technicians, camera men, all of them. In that respect I have been truly blessed. It
has been an outstanding life experience for me, I just love actors and I love the creative environment
of our work. I mean the sense of family, whether it be on the stage or in film or on television. And the
great news is girls the opportunities are out there for us at all ages. I mean looking at some of the
exquisite work of women in film today I feel positively galvanized to keep going and strike out for new
goals. I really do! After all a career, as far as I’m concerned, is still a work in progress. So, you might say
I’m in development and I thank you for this extraordinary vote of encouragement. Thank you.
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4TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
4. Jack Nicholson
Film As Good as It Gets
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
As an experiment really tried not to think of anything to say tonight.
You know I get to play so many parts and I think how lucky I am. I worked for 10 years and never got
more than, one dollar more than, the Screen Actors Guild minimum, not one. And I want to
congratulate all the actors who worked this year.
I’m kind of a patsy, I always get shook up. This movie, this movie is about a lot of things. This movie in
particular, I felt, was about loving you. And I love what I do; I love all the people I get to do it with. I
love Rebecca. In fact I love what we all did for Ms. Stuart tonight. I was just so happy.
And you know Jim Brooks is a genius. But mainly I love Greg, Helen, all the people I worked with on this
movie. Love is a word I never thought I could say in a scene. I appreciate and thank you all for this.
4. Helen Hunt
Film As Good as It Gets
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Okay. I am a 25-year member of the Screen Actors Guild so I am very proud to get his award and to be
singled out among these actresses is just unfathomable.
Okay, so you get a dream part in a dream movie with your dream leading man and your dream
director, who last night I heard Jim speak to the DGA and he talked about when actors stretch and that
becomes a cliché for playing a part you’re not right for. But in truth that makes leaping out to some
unknown and risking making a fool of yourself. And the fact that I got to work with someone who gets
acting in that way, I just, it’s, it’s… an incredible, incredible thing.
Then surprises like Kristi Zea and Brenda Johnson who descend and when there isn’t a woman for
twenty paces and they’re there and are the goddesses of the movie.
And I’d like to thank my acting teachers Gordan Hunt, Larry Moss, and Gary Austin – who I studied
improv with for a million years. And the people that I studied with because the truth is that feeling that
you get when working on a scene in an acting class is the feeling you get in a movie. Doing this from
your heart is sort of the same thing. So I’d like to thank them.
Lastly, my partner Connie Tavel, happy birthday. And my partner in life, Nathan. And lastly my publicist
Steven Huvane, who everybody in this room knows how much he is responsible for this. We all know
that people show up at these events because the people that we work with do their job. And mine do
it in a soulful, heartful way. So I’m incredibly lucky and incredibly grateful. Thank you so much.
4. Robin Williams
Film Good Will Hunting
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Wow! Welcome to our town. Yep, it’s been four years here in Grover’s Corner. I feel like someone’s
going to come out and say, “pappa mista.” Wow, this one nice statue in a cold room. Okay, thank
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you. Thank you very much for this, I was sitting over there sweating like Marlon Brando after Thai food.
I think you just got this off a Bentley. Thanks.
I want to thank that young man over there. When I first met him I wanted to ask him for ID. I want to
thank Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for writing words that kick you in the soul. I want to thank Gus Van
Sant for being so mellow to turn a teamster to bet (?). I want to thank the whole ensemble Stellan,
Cole, Casey, Minni, everybody who made it. It’s like jazz, you just go there and rip.
Thanks to the people at South Boston because I want to go back. It’s a pisser. I want to thank that
woman sitting over there who makes it very difficult to imagine life without her and this is ah…
This award reminds me they once asked Madame de Gaulle What is the most important thing in
life? She looked and said a penis. And they said Madame de Gaulle, what do you mean? And she said
it’s so much better than unhappiness. So, thank you.
4. Kim Basinger [Tie]
Film L.A. Confidential
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
I’m just thrilled to be here. And wow, now I win. Thank you so much for this to all of my peers who
voted for me.
Part of my cast is over there [blows a kiss]. Thank you so much. Without you this would’ve never been
possible.
Somehow I feel I was just voted president of the class. But for recognizing me and honoring me with
this. Thank you so very much. I am so grateful.
4. Gloria Stuart [Tie]
Film Titanic
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
[was not in attendance]
4. Film The Full Monty
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
MARK ADDY: Thank you. The clothes will stay on. I am sorry to disappoint so many people at the same
time.
This is a tremendous surprise and a great honor. An on behalf of the cast of the Full Monty I’d like to
thank everybody here. Peter Cattaneo the director, Umburto Pasolini - the Producer, everyone at Fox
Searchlight and Simon Beaufoy the writer. And without a script like that we wouldn’t have anything
to work from. Thank you.
4. Alfre Woodard
Television Miss Evers' Boys
Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Thank you. Thanks a whole lot, actors. You have been really good to me and I want you all to know I
appreciate it. I do appreciate it and from… um, I get to stand up here tonight for a whole slew of
people who were just acting up a storm in this movie. Laurence Fishburne and Joe Martin, are any of
them here? Joe, I don’t know what I deserved to be in the middle of that sandwich but it was really
nice. Obba Babatunde’, Ossie Davis it’s like tag team acting. It was just a great time. Craig Sheffer,
Thom Gossom, My good sister Donzaleigh Abernathy we laughed a lot. I think you do that when
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there’s so much to cry about. But I want you to know I am inspired by you and I’m just trying to keep it
real. Thanks.
4. Gary Sinise
Television George Wallace
Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Thank you. YEAH! I am really nervous here. And uh, thank you Ted Turner, Brad Segal, Julie Wice, Nick
Limbardo, TNT for making this movie and supporting our great director John Frankenheimer. Every
time you pushed and thank you John Framkenheimer for pushing as much as you did to make this
movie.
My family, my beautiful wife, Morra, for your courage, your strength, your support, your love, and your
friendship… thank you honey. My agent Patrick Whitsel, my manager, Jerry Harrington, for their
support.
We have a great cast in George Wallace: Angelina Jolie, Clarence William III, Jo Don Baker, Teri Kenny
and the beautiful Mary Winningham. These actors just... I mean
Everyone in this room knows what it’s like to be around actors when they’re coming at you. It just
brings up the level of your own performance and it makes everything richer and it makes you invest so
much more.
I have to thank all my friends and fellow actors. Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, for the great teachers
they have been throughout my artistic life. That’s been my artistic home for over 20 years. And I got to
tell you, just being in this room and looking at these people. Everyone in here has been a teacher to
me. Jack Nicholson, I mean Jack Nicholson… you’re here man! He’s here! Jack, you’re here man. One
Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, I mean Chinatown, Last Detail. Robert Duvall, Dustin Hoffman, these
people have excited a riot with in me and made me want to be an actor. Many of you people. I’ve
learned so very much. Thank you.
4. Julianna Margulies
Television ER
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
I just learned a really important lesson tonight to try the shoes on before you actually come to the
award ceremony.
Thank you so much, this is such an honor coming from my peers, to the women who were nominated
along with me. I’m overwhelmed; I wasn’t expecting this at all.
I have an incredible cast to thank. They have incredibly mastered the art of throwing the line away on
our show. Which I think most actors would agree is possible the hardest thing to do. And you are so
brilliant to work with.
I have to give special thanks to my partner in crime, George Clooney. Who, although is not here
tonight, really allows me to be free with my acting and gives me so much space. It’s a joy to work with
you. George, wherever you are.
To my incredible agent, Steve Dottenville I would go on but Alfre Woodard really said it all at the
Golden Globes, so I just second her emotions. Carrie Ross for her guidance and the writers and the
producers, Lydia Woodward, Carol Flint … there’s too many people. You’re all wonderful. My family, I
couldn’t be here tonight without you. And my true inspiration, I love you and thank you Ron.
4. Anthony Edwards
Television ER
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Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you very much. First of all, my hair is off… my hat is off. I have a deep salute and great
congratulations and admiration for the other actors in this category. I know what an hour is like. David
and Jimmy and Dennis and Sam, I have great respect for you.
And once again, I am very fortunate to work with a tremendous ensemble of actors. A lot of them are
here tonight: Laura and Noah and Gloria and Juliana and George and everybody, it’s a big love in there.
And that’s when the acting works well cause that’s…we all work together. So I am a proud leader of
that. And I thank them.
And as always, this is only here [indicates The Actor® statuette] and I am only here out of inspiration
and love of my wife and my children. As we can all relate to, those of us who actually love people.
So, thank you all and respect you all. Thank you.
4. Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Television Seinfeld
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Um, thank you very much. You know we have about… we have three shows left to do before we wind
the season. It doesn’t seem that there are going to be many more opportunities to thank people
publicly. So I’d like to very much thank Jerry Seinfeld for being such a hard worker. He’s working
tonight on an episode in the office.
And I’d like to thank Jason Alexander and Michael Richards because they’re so much fun to work with.
And I’d like to thank Glen Caddnick who is a great laugher and a great guy from Castle Rock. And, my
husband, who’s a great husband and thanks a million.
It’s always nice to win… and hello to everybody in the world.
4. John Lithgow
Television 3rd Rock from the Sun
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
I am an actor. I figured out a long time ago that nobody acts alone and that an actor is only as good as
the people he acts with. So Jane Curtin, Kristen Johnston, French Stewart, Joey Gordon-Levitt, Elmaria
Wendel, Simbi Khali, Wayne Knight and all of our guest stars of last year. You have secured this for me
for the second year in a row.
Also, for the second year in a row our cast has been honored by a nomination for the best ensemble in
a comedy. I am very, very proud to be in this group.
Also, for the second year in a row you have nominated exactly the same five actors in this category:
Kelsey, David, Jason, Michael and me. Now here’s an idea. How about an original comedy or an original
drama, for that matter, with the five of us. Now there’s an ensemble I would love to be a part of.
Among the five of us, we could make the Full Monty boys look to their laurels. Gentleman, name the
date; the rest of you, thank you so much.
4. Television ER
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
LAURA INNES: On behalf of the cast I am very honored to accept this award. We’re so happy. We’re so
grateful. We’re so fortunate to work together, to have a wonderful writing staff and producing staff.
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And be acknowledged in the company of the other actors who were also nominated. And I want to
thank you very much to our peers.
Thanks to our producers: Jon Wells, Lydia Woodward and Carol Flint. Our wonderful crew are funny
and smart and terrific; and our wonderful day players and guest players and reoccurring players. YES!
They come in… They come in every single day and they do amazing work and they jump on the
speeding train and they open themselves up to us and we acknowledge them.
Thank you so much.
4. Television Seinfeld
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
JASON ALEXANDER: We never do anything without our head writer and he couldn’t be here tonight. He
always speaks for us. [Speaking into his phone] Jerry, let’s see if this works.
MICHAEL RICHARDS: Jerry!
JASON ALEXANDER: [Holds phone up to microphone] Jerry, go ahead. Can you speak up, Jerry. America
is watching. Well this has worked as well… What you tell me, I’ll tell them. No, they can’t hear you. No,
they can’t hear you.
MICHAEL RICHARDS: Translate
JASON ALEXANDER: Say something nice. Jerry would like to thank his mother. We’d like to thank Jerry
Seinfeld for his outstanding writing regardless of the fact that he’s never been nominated for anything,
or won anything in nine years. He is still the richest and best-looking star on television.
JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUSS: Thank you.
JASON ALEXANDER: We’re very excited. Thank you very much. Thank you.
MICHAEL RICHARDS: Thank you very much.
4. Elizabeth Taylor
SAG Lifetime Achievement Award
Not in attendance
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5TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
5. Roberto Benigni
Film Life Is Beautiful
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you. mamma mia! Thank you. Now, I never lost. Because I want to share this with Nick Nolte,
Tom Hanks, Joe Fiennes, Ian McKellan. I really learned so much from them that I owe them. This is
yours because I learned so much from them. I love you so much…
This is really a pleasure, I don’t know, now, maybe I’ve lost because they’ve asked me to work in the
United States with this English… I ‘m really afraid… I married a pregnant woman really… for me so deep
because now, now I have to do more…
So typically there is proof, the proof is Nicoletta Braschi that I married. If I was able to marry her, this
means I was really a good actor. This is the proof I am a good actor. Cause actors, they are never alone.
So when Nicoletta Braschi and the actors come on and shooting with me. Without them I couldn’t act.
They are to me this light, this sky. I have to be thankful that I have this prize for my movie, everything.
I am so full of joy that my body is steering everything, every organ in my body is moving in a very bad
way and I cannot, I can’t…Full of joy, I don’t deserve so much. Anyway, joy delights joy, exuberance is
beauty.
5. Gwynth Paltrow
Film Shakespeare in Love
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
It’s so heavy, my God.
I really, Kate I thought you were going to get it. I was positive, I really, I haven’t prepared anything.
Thank you so much. Thank you so much. This is such an honor. To be recognized by my peers and you’ll
never know quite what this means to me. There are many people to thank. Starting with Miramax
Films, Harvey Weinstein especially. John Madden, the most talented director ever in the history of the
whole world. Our extraordinary cast: Simon, Joseph, Judi, Geoffrey and to everybody, the best cast
ever. And especially Ben Affleck, my great friend.
I would like to thank my agent, Rick Kurtsman, who took me on when I hadn’t done anything and had
such faith in me thank you so much.
I would like to thank Steven Bain and Harold Brown and Stuart Gellnard.
I would like to dedicate this award to the most beautiful profound actor that I know, my mother,
Blythe Danner is the reason I wanted to do this. Mommy I love you so much. Thank you so much.
5. Robert Duvall
Film A Civil Action
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
[was not in attendance]
5. Kathy Bates
Film Primary Colors
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Wow, I didn’t expect this. I thought that when they asked me to do the first thing that I lost. Thank you
so much, this is such a thrill. It was a dream of mine to work with Mike Nichols and that it could have
been this role is just the icing on the cake.
I’d like to thank all the actors in this room, and there are many.
I’m so excited to get to sit at the same table with Meryl Streep.
This is so great. Thank you to my agent, Susan, who is here, Nancy Selder, all of you. Thank you Screen
Actors Guild.
5. Film Shakespeare in Love
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
RUPERT EVERETT: I don’t know why they asked me to do the talking. But when Harry Weinstein called
me up and said we’re making Shakespeare in Love and you’d make a perfect Marlowe, I took on a
faraway glazed look. And Harvey, I said, I’m born to play Shakespeare. But unfortunately not this
season. And thanks to Harvey’s sheer magnetism and subtle power of persuasion I can now say with
great pride I am Marlowe.
And I feel very lucky to be involved in such a fantastic movie. So on behalf of the cast: Colin Firth, Ben
Affleck, Jim Carter, Martin Clunes, Tony Sher, Imelda Staunton, Tom Wilkinson we all thank you,
Geoffrey Rush sorry.
Um, John Madden for giving each and every one of us the opportunity to have a moment of our own in
the film.
To Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard for a fantastic screenplay and Harvey for making the film and for
making it such an event.
And to the Screen Actors Guild, thank you.
5. Angelina Jolie
Television Gia
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
I just want to thank everybody involved with this production. It’s such an amazing group of people who
are now my friends. This film really meant so much to me. It changed me and she meant so much to
me. When I was working I kept wondering what was different about us that makes us go in such
different directions. She didn’t have a place to express herself and feel she was sharing and connecting
to anybody, and I do. You’ve given me that. And thank you so much. Thank you to everybody because
you’re just do amazing to me. All of you, thank you.
5. Christopher Reeves
Television Rear Window
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
5. Juliana Marguiles
Television ER
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
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Thank you so much. This is such an honor from the members of the Screen Actors Guild. And it’s a
wonderful opportunity for me to publicly think my soul mate on the show for the past five years,
George Clooney, who I wouldn’t be up here without. And he’s really responsible for a lot of my work
on that show.
And to my incredible parents, all three of you. I’ve never properly thanked you and from the bottom of
my heart, I so appreciate your support.
To this amazing cast I get to work with and all the unit producers and directors there is like 18,000 of
you and your all especially brilliant and talented and I can’t name you all but I swear I’ll write you all
little notes tomorrow.
To my dream team Elaine Cashin and Steve Dottenville, Ron West, Carrie ??? your belief in me is
overwhelming and very appreciated.
To my beautiful inspiration, a man that is more talented than I could ever dream to be, Ron Nelsar, you
are my angel. Thanks.
5. Sam Waterston
Television Law & Order
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
I couldn’t be more surprised even though I’ve tried to pretend that prizes don’t really surprises to be
kind of moved because it reminds me of how much you have to be grateful for. And some of the
people I have to be grateful for are here in this room: Jenny, Steve, and Angie and Ben and Jeff. Who’d
I leave out? Ed, Dick, Renee all the writers. But listen….
Oh I know, here’s the list of people, here’s the list of people whose shoulders we stand on: Richard
Brooks, Carey Lowell, Michael Moriarty, Jill Hennessey, Chris Noth, Paul Sorvino, George Dzundza,
Dann Florek and all the New York actors who made our life interesting and work worth dealing.
And the only other person who is missing tonight is my wife, who I wish was here because that’s the
whole thing really. Thanks.
5. Tracey Ullman
Television Tracey Takes On
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Wow, bloody heavy huh?
Well, I’m surprised. Thank you so much my fellow thespians. I can’t believe it, I’m thrilled a bit gosh.
I just want to thank my lovely husband, Alan, who’s sitting over there, who makes me get out of bed
and do this. And HBO because the y let me be true and spontaneous and they don’t mess with me
which is what all of us want, isn’t it so?
Um, all my lovely cast and crew, the wonderful actors that help me every week. I’m usually my own
ensemble love. But Julie Kasner, Michael Tucker, Michael McKeen, Cheet Marlin, everybody who
helped me. My lovely kids Mable and Johnny watching this at home, Meryl Streep, my friend in the
audience. I won thank God, the kids will be so pleased. Thank you.
5. Michael J. Fox
Television Spin City
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
[was not in attendance]
5. Television ER
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
ANTHONY EDWARDS: The problem with being number one on the call sheet is they look at you when it
comes to these things and say you talk. So, the one thing I have to say is congratulations to the other
shows we say here cause as an ensemble we know how hard all of you work and how well you do. And
the year of the drama is very exciting because of the performance of actors in other ensemble shows.
Thank you and congratulations especially to Mr. David Kelly.
What I want to say is um, we’re on our fifth season and we’re still having fun. And we’re still having fun
because we’re inspired by writers and producers who are giving us great stories. And we’re also very
inspired by actors who come in and fill up our call sheets with great performances and make our lives
everyday an exciting one because we get inspired by performances, as I’m sure you all know on drama
shows.
So, other than that, hats off to the actors and congratulations to all of you. And we accept it for the
ensemble and all of us. Thank you.
5. Television Ally McBeal
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
CALISTA FLOCKHART: Wow, thank you very much. This is I think I speak for all of us, this is very exciting
and its especially special because it comes from actors.
You know, to me, the cat is at the height of what it means to be an ensemble. And not tone person
could step out and if they did the show simply wouldn’t work. Every single one of you are indisposable
but especially to me. It’s a joy to go to work every day and be challenged and be surrounded by
exceptionally gifted actors.
I know that we all know that the foundation of any endeavor is the crew and we want tot thank you.
We don’t know how you do it or how you do it so well. And a big thank you to David Kelly and all of the
producers and all of the people who are so tremendously supportive at Fox. And we’d like to thank our
agents and lawyers and publicist and managers and all those people we love and pay.
Hold this it’s actually very heavy.
GIL BELLOWS: Sure
CALISTA FLOCKHART: Thank you to our families
GIL BELLOWS: Yea, big thanks to our families, and congratulations to all of you out there.
CALISTA FLOCKHART: Yea, thank you.
5. Anthony Edwards
Television ER
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
The problem with being number one on the call sheet is they look at you when it comes to these things
and say you talk. So, the one thing I have to say is congratulations to the other shows we say here
cause as an ensemble we know how hard all of you work and how well you do. And the year of the
drama is very exciting because of the performance of actors in other ensemble shows.
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 24 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
6TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
6. Kevin Spacey
Film American Beauty
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
There are two tables here with one exception, Wes Bentley is stuck in Calgary and this is the reason
that I was able to come to work every day. I’m so proud of this movie and I have to say to Sam Mendes:
If this is my best work, you are the reason. You guided through this movie every day and I thank God
for the ground you walk on. To Alan Ball, for one of the most courageous and extraordinary scripts I
ever read in my life. Congratulations to you!
I am extraordinarily proud to be an actor. I want to thank my manager, Joanne; my agent, John; my
staff: Dana, Mike, Bernie, and Kate. While we all celebrate here tonight and we’re fortunate enough
to be here there are colleagues of ours who are not with us. I would like to just take a moment to
remind us that there are people who came before us, and there are people who are the reason that we
are standing here. In two places in the San Fernando Valley they are gathered around televisions
tonight; they are those colleagues of ours in the Motion Picture Homes in the Valley. I want to dedicate
this to all the work they have done for us that came before us; dedicate this to them and say, “We
have not forgotten you!” Thank you.
6. Annette Bening
Film American Beauty
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you. Thank you very, very much. All right, first of all, thank you to Alan Ball for writing the
screenplay of American Beauty. Thank you to Dan Jenks and Bruce Cohen who produced it with such
love and enthusiasm. Thank you Sam Mendes who made us all a family and directed us with such love
and freedom. Thank you so much Sam.
Thank you to my fellow actors You all look so serious. Okay. Kevin, thank you Kevin Spacey. Thank
you very, very much. Peter Gallagher, Mena Suvari, Thora Birch, Chris Cooper, Allison Janey: Thank you
so much all of you for your support and your love.
I want to thank my own family: my parents, Grant and Shirley Bening; my brothers and my sister: Brad
and Byron and Jane. I want to also thank all of my friends and colleagues from the American
Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco where I started. My own family: my children, my pride and joy
Kathlyn and Ben and Isabel; and my husband, Warren Beatty, who is the best!
And just one last thing to all of you actresses out there: Don’t wait to have a baby, do it now. Thank
you!
6. Michael Caine
Film Cider House Rules
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
[was not in attendance]
6. Angelina Jolie
Film Girl, Interrupted
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 25 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
I just was reminded of the other performances when I was up there watching; and Chloë’s at my table
and she’s so amazing to me – and it always feels funny that we’re in competition. I just can’t believe
I’m standing here right now in front of everybody. I can’t believe we were able to do this film. I love
being an actor so much.
I was able to have this experience where we could be so brave and so open with each other and I
hope that’s how I can live my life. I hope that’s how we can all accept each other. Lisa was and is alive. I
hope to meet her and I hope she’s okay with this. She’s a beautiful person and I love you just as you
are. I don’t think you need any help because I know deep down you just want to be a good person and
so do I.
I just want to thank my family for being so supportive, for loving me and being so wonderful. My
friends: Geyer, Janine and Rochelle we love you. My brother, and everybody. Sorry I went on for so
long and thank you so much. This means so much to me!
6. Film American Beauty
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
PETER GALLAGHER: From all of us, thank you for this grand recognition. Thora, why don’t you keep this
till May 15th and give it to Mena.
I was elected to speak for this fortunate group I assume for reasons of seniority but Annette
reminded me that I am The King. I’m The King, of real estate, anyway. I think I can safely say that from
the time we opened this script and for a long, long time to come we feel very fortunate.
Thank you to Alan Ball for creating a world with words with room enough to welcome us all in. To
Bruce and Dan for seeing the beauty in that world, and protecting it so zealously. And to Sam for
casting us and being more brilliant than you can imagine. And, to DreamWorks for letting him cast us;
and for protecting this movie; and ushering it out into the world so successfully. Thank you! And to our
KEVIN SPACEY: To Debbie Zane for casting this movie.
PETER GALLAGHER: To Debbie Zane for casting us. Yes! And to our families: our husbands, our wives,
and our children. To our representatives. To everyone we’ve ever met. To Maureen Stapleton. To our
fellow professionals. Thank you for recognizing the value of an ensemble and honoring us with the
Screen Actors Awards.
KEVIN SPACEY: We rule! We rule! Come on.
PETER GALLAGHER: We rule! To ensembles everywhere!
6. Halle Berry
Television Introducing Dorothy Dandridge
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
6. Jack Lemmon
Television Oprah Winfrey Presents: Tuesdays with Morrie
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
God, that’s heavy! And wonderful! Well, first of all, in my 45 seconds I would like to thank Oprah
for the part of a lifetime; to Kate, one of the best producers to ever work for, and her entire staff. Kate
Forte, who won the Producers Guild Award for this show. Of course to our director who, I think did a
superb job Mick Jackson, who won the Directors Guild award last night we’re making a sweep with
this sucker.
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 26 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Anyway, and also not only to a marvelous supporting cast. But above all to Hank Azaria, who is one of
the best and most giving actors that I’ve ever worked with. I honestly feel that if it were not for what
Hank gave me, I would not be up here tonight. And, I don’t deserve it any more than he does. But at
any rate, I love it.
Well that’s about 45 and I better cut it now - What the hell. I cannot tell you how proud I am to be a
member of this Guild and I thank you for this honor.
6. Edie Falco
Television The Sopranos
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
[was not in attendance]
6. James Gandolfini
Television The Sopranos
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you very much. I want to congratulate the other gentlemen nominated. Especially, Ricky
Schroder. He did a great job; he stepped into something that was tough to do and I think he did a
tremendous job.
I had a little time to take a vacation and I got to think about what was going on here. I just want to say I
was very grateful for the last two years. Especially to the cast, the writers, David Chase, the people I
got to work with. It’s been amazing and I want to thank somebody: my mother and my father. They
came over from Italy; they raised 3 kids, sent them all to college my mother is no longer with us; I
miss her very much. And Dad, I love you. Thank you for everything.
And to the actors out there who maybe aren’t doing so well: Things can change very quickly. Hang in
there. Thank You.
6. Lisa Kudrow
Television Friends
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Thank you so much. Gosh, thank you so much. All right, we have a lot of writers I won’t say all their
names they’re all great and they write such great stuff for all of us to do. And our producers are so
great. Well, thanks actors for voting. Whoa yeah, it’s him. Thank you so much. Thank you. And, I
think most of all I have to thank Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and
David Schwimmer. Because they’re so good that — I mean, you’re all actors, you know that it almost
doesn’t matter what you do if there’s no one there that’s just as good; if not better than, making you
look good. And that’s how it is for me every day. Thank you.
6. Michael J. Fox
Television Spin City
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Thank you. You were kind enough to give me one of these last year. And just so you know, they really
scare small children. My daughters won’t come near ‘em. I want to thank all the brothers and sisters in
SAG and also the SAG Foundation for the terrific work they do; I have been privileged to have been
involved with them in some capacity. It really is a terrific function of the Guild as well as just looking
after all of our checks.
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 27 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
I want to do something that I haven’t had a chance to do before and I’ll try to be really quick about it.
But in honoring me, you really honor the actors that I’ve been privileged to work with for the last four
years. I just want a chance I’ve never really had a chance to kind of just mention them and talk
about them briefly. Victoria Dillard, who when we were smart enough to give her a shot, is great and is
a great team player; Sandy Chaplin who is our Juilliard graduate in spite of that very funny; Connie
Britten, who is always real and always funny and always a great friend; Allen Rock, who’s a
consummate craftsman and has made lechery lovable and, I don’t know whether that is a good thing
but that’s what he’s done; Richard Kind who is like our fullback and when we’re inside the 20 we give
him a joke and he just piles through and get the laugh; Michael Boatman, who’s played a gay character
on our show with none of the attendant weirdness and stereotypes that heretofore have been part of
that and has done created a dignified fabulous character; Heather Locklear, who has shown what a
professional is she shows up, she takes a risk after doing it for so long and learns quickly and is
fabulous; and Barry Bostwick, who like all of the greats and he is one of the greats still gets
nervous before he does a show. I love being an actor and I love being one of you and I am just proud of
this and thank you all very much.
6. Television The Sopranos
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
TONY SIRICO: I never won anything in my life. Guys, ladies, members of the Guild, I’m honored. Thank
you.
VINCENT PASTORE: I’d like to say thank you to my mother and father for supporting me and uh I love
everybody out there - it’s so great to be here.
DOMINIC CHIANESE: I want to thank David Chase for inventing us; my wife Victoria, my parents, my
brother, my children. Thank you.
LORRAINE BRACCO: I want to thank my children, who I love and adore Margo and Stella. God bless
you!
6. Television Frasier
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
PERI GILPIN: We totally did not expect this. No one knows what to say. All right. David usually talks but
he’s making us talk. We are so excited. Thank you very much. It means the world coming from actors
and from our fellow actors there’s a whole lot of talent in this room. Thank you.
JANE LEEVES: Thank you Chris Lloyd and Joe Keenan.
DAVID HYDE PIERCE: I’m just stunned. Seeing the cast up here – I cannot I don’t know what you
people were thinking. But it’s – no, seriously. It’s an extraordinary honor. We feel like a great ensemble
but that is just great company to be in. Mahoney’s not here; Kelsey got stuck at a benefit so he
couldn’t be here – we love them and we love all of you. Thanks very much.
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 28 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
7TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
7. Benicio del Toro
Film Traffic
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
I messed up introducing the film, so now I'm going to get straight to the point. And I want to thank
it's written here, the typed version I left it at home Michael Douglas, I'd like to thank Michael
Douglas. I'd like to thank the whole cast of this picture because I'm only as good as these guys.
And I'd like to thank Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Don Cheadle, Luis Guzman, Erika
Christensen, Miguel Ferrer, Topher Grace, Dennis Quaid, Tomas Milian, Eddie Velez, Amy Irving, Jacob
Vargas, Marisol Sanchez, Clifton Collins, Albert Finney, Steven Bauer. This is for you.
Thank you. See you next year.
7. Julia Roberts
Film Erin Brockovich
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Oh it's padded. [referring to award] Set him down. I love Jeff Bridges. We were talking about him at
breakfast. This is freaky. This is you know, if this was a prom this would be like the best school
ever to go to. But it's not, so I'll be serious in my own special way.
Thank you so much. To be a girl and to enjoy anything that has to do with SAG, you know, you have to
figure it's pretty important.
God, I'm just shaking. And thank you, actors just great, great actors and now I really feel so much
better about my level of talent than I did this afternoon. And I appreciate that so much, because I'm
not always sure.
And it's not just me. There's just so many people. You guys know, I'm a fraud to stand here alone
because, God, there's so many people that make me look like I know what I'm doing. And so I - I
there's all these invisible people behind me that I wish you could see, because they're lovely and
they're sweet and they work so hard, and they make what I do look like it's easy. And we all know that
it's kind of torture. But, you know, they pay us so much.
So I just want to thank Steven Soderbergh, my own personal god. And Albert Finney, who's fabulous,
and Aaron Eckhart and all the wonderful actors that played God bless you, Sam Waterston who
played my children. And in my little home base, Elaine Goldsmith Thomas and Jeff Berg, my agent, and
Marcy Engleman, and everybody that I've ever met in my life.
And my sister, Lisa, who knows so many people in SAG, and she said, "I told everybody to vote for
you." So Lisa, thank you because it worked! And Benjamin, honey thank you just for being my best
friend and being just the most handsome date a gal could want. So thank you all!
7. Albert Finney
Film Erin Brockovich
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
[was not in attendance]
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 29 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
7. Judi Dench
Film Chocolat
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
[was not in attendance]
7. Film Traffic
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
DON CHEADLE: I was asked to speak for our cast I don't know why. But in this film there were 135
speaking roles, actually. And I would like to read every single name now.
No, but I will hit some highlights: Michael, Catherine, Benicio, Luis, Dennis Quaid, Erika Christensen,
Topher Grace, Amy Irving, Jacob Vargas, Cliff Collins, Miguel Ferrer, Steven Bauer, Ben Bratt, D.W.
Moffett, Peter Riegert, Tomas Milian, Marisol Sanchez, James Brolin, Albert Finney, Steven Gaghan for
giving us the wonderful words.
And of course, the captain of our ship, Steven Soderbergh for shepherding this whole thing.
Thank you.
7. Vanessa Redgrave
Television If These Walls Could Talk 2
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
7. Brian Dennehy
Television Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Okay, how do you follow Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis? Anybody got any ideas?
I want to say this means a great deal to me because well, because of all you people sitting out there.
There's Tom there and Joan Allen, Gary Oldman, James Gandolfini, Jimmy Woods actors all
wonderful actors. Brian Cox.
And actors have given me this award. I couldn't be prouder than I am right now to be a part of this
profession. Thank you all.
7. Allison Janney
Television The West Wing
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
This is truly a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful surprise, and I was just thinking about the fact that it's
amazing that I'm standing her tonight because there were so many times back in the early '80s and
early '90s when I was in New York trying to be an actress and not succeeding very well, and I quit so
many times.
And I finally decided I was quitting for the final time this was it and I went in to take an aptitude
test to find out what else I could possibly do in this world. And they told me I would make an excellent
systems analyst. I still don't know what that is. So I'm just to be able to be say I'm a working actress.
And I thank Aaron Sorkin for this beautifully part and Tommy Schlamme and I've always thought of
acting as a team sport and I have one of the best teams to play with: Martin Sheen, Brad Whitford,
Richard Schiff, Rob Lowe, Dule Hill, Janel Maloney, Melissa Fitzgerald am I forgetting anybody from
my table? John Spencer God bless I don't care who else did I forget? I thank you all so much.
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 30 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
And I thank David Less [sp] and Chris Hensey [sp] and my parents and my family. And I'm so truly proud
to call myself to be able to finally say and I'm going to say it right here: I'm Alison Janney and I'm
an actress. Thank you.
7. Martin Sheen
Television The West Wing
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Oh, my, my, thanks so much. I appreciate this. How do you separate us from each other. It's not
possible, Tim and James. And, God, I'm so good, I remembered those two. Ed and Anthony, thanks so
much.
The only thing that really separates us is age. I'm the oldest. I have fewer future opportunities, so I'll
accept this with gratitude from SAG, and praise to my fellow actors. Allison gave the whole family, the
"West Wing" family, thanks and praise.
I can't remember my own name half the time. It's the awards season, and, you know, it's a two-edged
sword. We're told to remember that the higher the monkey climbs, the more he shows his ass. So
you're really seeing the worst part of me.
I don't know what else to say! Oh, my, I will thank Tommy Schlamme and John Wells and Llewellyn
Wells and particularly Aaron Sorkin. "The West Wing" is the creation of Aaron Sorkin. We all live in the
book and volume of his imagination of his brain, and we spring forth from the measure of his heart, his
compassion, his humanity.
So he's the guy. When we say "West Wing" on "The West Wing," we mean Aaron Sorkin. He's the
reason for our season, both one and two. Personally, I want to thank him more than anyone because
of what he has given all of us all the time, every show, every week. And if he doesn't know how much
we really love him, stick around, you ain't seen nothin' yet.
Thanks so much.
7. Sarah Jessica Parker
Television Sex and the City
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Jeez, I got I got my SAG card 23 years ago, January 28th, so I've been a proud card-carrying member
for so long. And I've acting is the only thing I ever wanted to do, and really, it's because my brother,
Toby, was the first actor I ever knew, and he was the one I admired most, and I just wanted to make
him laugh. And I never imagined I'd have the sort of opportunities that I've had and work with the
wonderful people that I've worked with and been so fortunate. And I'm so grateful that Frank Silvaggi
kept me in good standing with the union. He paid my SAG oh time's up! He paid my SAG dues every
month. And I'm so grateful because I really wouldn't be here tonight if that hadn't happened. And this
is I am this is I consider this a great honor, and I'm incredibly grateful. And there's all these film
actors in here too. So thank you for inviting myself and my cast to be part of tonight because we've
enjoyed it so much and have seen so many famous people. And thank you for voting for us. Thank you,
this is just an extraordinary treat. Thank you so much.
7. Robert Downey Jr.
Television Ally McBeal
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 31 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Okay, yeah, this is great, and it's my peers, and so many people here that I've learned from over the
years, and this is exceptional. I've got to thank my mom, who is in Pennsylvania right now. She's the
reason that I wanted to become an actor, watching her, growing up. And it seemed like, in addition to
being a great mom, there was this magical thing she did, and that made me ecstatic. This is for you,
Mom.
I would like to thank David Kelley, of course, Pam Wisne, Bill D'Elia, Alice and the other Pam.
Calista, as always, I love working with you. The rest of the cast is so great. And Peter MacNicol, my co-
nominee -‹the other nominees as well.
The truth is, we know this is about dedication. This about - you give your life to this. And we know
what we sacrifice in order to give ourselves to this art form. And I know that Peter MacNicol, right now,
has his sides for our scenes this week at the table. You got my vote, brother.
7. Television The West Wing
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
JOHN SPENCER: Hello, I'm John Spencer. My group has elected me to talk. Janel is holding the statue.
We really wanted this so badly for two reasons: first of all because it's given by you, our peers. Actors
know what actors do. We've all had the same highs, we've all had the same lows. And so, thank you.
And second of all, because we are an ensemble in the true sense of the word. We all carry the load.
We're all in there working harder, probably than we ever had in our lives. I want to thank our friends at
NBC and Warners. I want to thank our fabulous producer, John Wells, our genius and passionate
Tommy Schlamme.
And the real secret here is we're in there working our asses off because we are blessed with such
brilliant material and that material is given to us by Aaron Sorkin, the true genius. Thank you Aaron,
thank you Aaron, thank you.
7. Eric McCormack
Television Will & Grace
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
ERIC McCORMACK: If this ensemble shines, it's because of the ensemble behind us: two producers who
are best friends first and then bosses second, a room full of brilliant writers that are as close as we are,
a crew that loves their jobs. A network that is supportive, a studio that is supportive and a director that
kisses us on the mouth every day, it's remarkable. Remarkable.
We're very lucky to have them. We're extremely lucky to have each other. And we're very grateful to
the Guild for reminding us of that. Thank you.
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 32 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
8TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
8. Russell Crowe
Film A Beautiful Mind
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Thanks very much, folks. You know, I’m a storyteller. We are storytellers. And ours is an ancient
tradition, contemporized by the cinema and the capturing of light. And we should all be very proud of
our place in society. On any given night, millions of people across the world buy a ticket for adventures
that only we as storytellers can provide. We release burdens, we galvanize emotions, we make people
laugh, we make people talk over breakfast. This is a great job and I want to encourage every one of you
in this room to give everything you can to the story. God bless narrative. God bless originality. Good
night.
8. Halle Berry
Film Monster's Ball
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Oh, thank you so much. I am so proud to be an actor, I can’t tell you. It has saved my life. Acting has
enriched my life, and it has made me learn so much about life, and I’m so proud to be here. Thank you
so much to the actors for choosing me this year. Thank you.
I want to thank the entire cast. Any actress knows that she is only as good as the cast that surrounds
her. I want to thank Coronji Calhoun, a first-time acting job; Sean Combs; Heath Ledger; and especially
Peter Boyle and Billy Bob Thornton. They are so good, and every single day they forced me to grow, to
learn, and to be better at the craft of acting. And this is so much as much theirs as it is mine.
I want to thank our fearless leader: our director, Marc Forster, who was amazing, and who I loved and I
trusted. And he guided me through this this work. And Ivana Chubbuck, who helped me get to the
heart of who this woman was; my manager, Vincent Cirrincione; CAA; our producer, Lee Daniels; and
my life partner, Eric.
Thank you so much forencouraging me to take this risk. And it has paid off big time tonight! Thank
you so much!
8. Ian McKellen
Film The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
I thought I’d had my turn, folks. Thank you very, very much indeed.
Best award I ever got until now was British Actors Equity, who gave me an award for Best Supporting
Actor in the West End about 40 years ago. There was money involved. They actually gave you a check.
Come on, Screen Actors Guild! Next year maybe…
I owe this to one man, Peter Jackson, the director who invited me to try and impersonate the icon of
Gandalf, and his trust. And the wonderful people he got together to support him in New Zealandthe
actors, so many of them here tonight, and the crew. And to him and to SAG, many, many thanks.
8. Helen Mirren
Film Gosford Park
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 33 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Oh, my god! [looking at the award] Isn’t he sweet? I wondered when I was down there if he had any
pants on. He doesn’t!
Oh, god, you know, in the medieval Britain, actors were called rogues and vagabonds. And we are all
actually rogues and vagabondsno matter how we look tonightunder the skin. In “Gosford Park,”
you know, there were no trailers, there were no trainers, there were no assistants, there were no
special hair and make-up people. There was just a group of rogues and vagabonds with a brilliant
director, Bob Altman——with a wonderful script by Julian Fellowes. And we just all got down to it.
I’m incredibly proud to have been amongst those great actors: rogues and vagabonds to a man and a
woman, in spite of the Dames and Sirs. We’re all the same under the skin. I thank you from the bottom
of my heart, you rogues and vagabonds, for my cute little man. Thank you very much.
8. Film Gosford Park
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
WILL SMITH: Congratulations.
BOB BALABAN: Can we put it down? Is that allowed?
WILL SMITH: You can put it down, yes. He’s naked.
BOB BALABAN: Will it fall? Well, my God, first of all, this is amazing. And due to the constraints of time
and the high volume of actors in our movie, I’m going to give a collective “thank you” on behalf of the
47 actors who contain who are the ensemble that is “Gosford Park.”
And so collectively we thank our agents, our managers, our lawyers, our business managers, our high
school drama teachers, our dialect coaches, our parents’ significant others, children and the
babysitters who sat for them and enabled us to attend this ceremony tonight. Thank you.
Most of all, thanks to our indomitable and intrepid Robert Altman. Our brilliant writer, Julian Fellowes.
Our fabulous casting director, who assembled all of us and held us together, Mary Selway. Our friends
at Capitol, and especially our friends at USA Films, who handled our delicate movie with enormous
care and intelligence, and we’re very grateful for that.
Thank you to SAG and our fellow nominees, and we’re proud to be a part of this inspiring profession.
Thank you.
8. Judy Davis
Television Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
8. Ben Kingsley
Television Anne Frank
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
I’m very surprised.
Speaking to actors, I know you’ll understand that all I did was react to our central performance: the
central performance of Hannah Taylor Gordon as Anne Frank. We loved her and we were totally
captivated by her commitment, her energy, and her sincerity and honesty.
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 34 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Otto’s last words, I’m sure—Otto Franks—were, “Listen to my child.” And thanks to Otto and his work
with the foundation and with her diaries, the world has heard his child. And if I may, I would like to
accept this on behalf of my four children.
I’m deeply grateful to the Screen Actors Guild. I’m deeply grateful. May my gratitude be made manifest
over the coming weeks, months, and years. Thank you.
8. Allison Janney
Television The West Wing
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you. [pause] Thank you. [pause] If the arts are a bridge to enlightenment and understanding, I
can’t think of a more important time to be an artist and I can’t think of a show I’m more proud to be on
than “The West Wing.” And I thank the people that have faith in me sometimes when I don’t. And that
would be obviously Aaron Sorkin, Tommy Schlamme, Alex Graves, Chris Misiano, and my amazing cast
who I love so much, and looking in your faces, you inspire me. And I love you all.
And Stockard Channing, you are brilliant and amazing and I wish I Aaron, I’m asking you to write
more scenes with Stockard because she is absolutely, she is the most beautiful, wonderful actress and I
am so proud to share this with you, and with all of everyone if I say your names I’ll . . . I love you,
John, Martin, Brad, Richard, [laugher] Janelle, Dulé, Melissa, Richard, Rob, everybody I love thank
you so very much. And my friends and family. Thank you.
8. Martin Sheen
Television The West Wing
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
My wife asked me to put her wedding band in my pocket this night for luck, and it was a lucky night. I
thought about not coming—not a good thought. I think I’m the oldest guy in the room, with the
possible exception of Robert Altman.
So this is very, very gratifying, to get to a place in my life and a place in my career where these kinds of
things are happening. I’ve been nominated recently for a few awards and I’ve prepare myself for an
early Passover. And there’s one coming very soon, but I’ll accept this on behalf of a brilliant cast and
family that Alison went on and on aboutand she knows their names better than I do.
And to all of you, the players, my thanks, my sincere thanks.
8. Megan Mullally
Television Will & Grace
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Thank you. I’m just generally thrilled, and I’m very touched. I respect actors so much. And it’s nice to
be representing a comedy category. I feel like, you know thank you so much to everybody at “Will &
Grace” — because working on these great comedy scripts week after week, and kind of always having
to think in terms of what’s funny, it sort of starts to rub off after a while. And I’ve found that, you
know, in real life I I’ve sort of reaped some good benefits from that.
I’ve been able to step outside of myself and see things in a little bit different way because of it, and I
feel like I’ve been able to change a lot for the better in certain ways. And I feel very blessed.
And so, thank you from me, and thank you from everybody at “Will & Grace.” Thank you so much.
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8. Sean Hayes
Television Will & Grace
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
This is way too early in the program for me. I wasn’t really prepared.
Thank you very much, you guys, for all the actors who, for whatever reason, decided I should be
standing here tonight. Thank you very much. My gratitude. Wow, thank you very much. You know, it’s
one thing when a fan says, “You know, I thought your performance was really great.” That means the
world to me, but when an actor says, “You know, I thought maybe you were pushing a little bit”— I
have to re-evaluate my entire life. Thank you very much, you guys, for all the actors who, for whatever
reason, decided I should be standing here tonight. Thank you very much. My gratitude.
8. Television The West Wing
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
ROB LOWE: Thank you. To get this award from the Screen Actors Guild the best actors in the world
is really an honor. We have this tonight because of the protection and the vision of John Wells, Tommy
Schlamme, Lou Wells, Chris Misiano and Alex Graves.
We have this tonight because we serve at the pleasure of the breathtaking and brilliant Aaron Sorkin.
Accomplishments done well in the collective are always so much more amazing because of the working
parts that all have to come together. And this award really represents the essence of “The West Wing,”
all of us coming together with one single agenda to serve the source, and to do it with the best
performance we can do on a day-to-day basis.
Thank you for giving it to us, and thank you for inspiring us.
8. Television Sex and the City
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
CYNTHIA NIXON: Thank you so much. Wow! Sarah Jessica Parker has the flu and she was too sick to get
on a plane, and we are so devastated that she is not here with us. She has always said that this
ensemble category nomination was the best one to get. And I think that just tells you everything you
need to know about her as a person. We would like to share this with our crew, the most hard-
working, talented people you would ever want to meet.
This evening is all about actors and how great they are, and that’s wonderful, but every actor knows
that she is only as good as the stuff she gets to say, unless she’s Marcel Marceau or Lassie. And our
writers are the reason our show is such a hit. Without them, we would just be standing in front of the
camera barking.
Finally, working for HBO is like being encouraged by the world’s most supportive parents. They never
say, “Darling, you’re not really going to wear that, are you?” They say, “Gee, honey, that sounds great.
Why don’t you give it a try? Here’s some money.” We are so proud and grateful to be their children
and we are so proud and grateful to be receiving this award from you. Thank you so much.
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9TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
9. Daniel Day-Lewis
Film Gangs of New York
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you so much for this. Forgive me if I ramble a little bit. When I was starting out, we were led to
believe quite clearly that our futures, if we were lucky enough to work, were going to be in the theater.
And if we did okay at that, if we were really lucky, we might get to do the classic roles. And that was
the rite of passage. That was like the fiery hoop through which you had to leap if you were going to be
taken seriously.
And I had the right nose for that. And there were a few people who had ambitions on my behalf that
wanted to dress it up in a, you know, doublet and hose, and have me strutting around.
But I had a guilty secret. Because I’d seen "A Place in the Sun." I’d seen "From Here to Eternity," "On
the Waterfront," "A Streetcar…", "Night of the Hunter." I’d seen all of the spaghetti westerns. I’d been
to all-night "Dirty Harry" sessions. You know, it was like a group of grungy guys would emerge into the
half-dawn, bleary-eyed, trying to kind of be loose-limbed and mean and taciturn.
And I’d seen "French Connection," "Mean Streets," "Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull," "The Godfather." And
my secret hope, my great hope, which and at that time from where I came from, there weren’t
many actors getting a chance to do this but I wanted, if possible, to make a contribution to this
tradition. And I’m so grateful that I’ve been allowed the chance to do that.
From the moment I first set foot in this country, my colleagues, my fellow actors, have shown me
generosity and friendship and great encouragement. I can’t thank you enough for that. I salute, with
the greatest respects, my fellow nominees, both men and women, in all categories. It’s been a
wonderful thing to be included amongst you this year. It feels like a fine year.
And I would like to salute the supremely gifted and gracious and sweet Leonardo Di Caprio and
Cameron Diaz. My old friend Liam Neeson, Brendan Gleeson, the great John C. Reilly where is he?
He’s a terrible man because he has this habit of making all the actors around him look like they’re
acting.
And Harvey Graham, I’m going to say thank you to later on. I’ll thank you for this. But tonight, I would
just like to thank the actors that have allowed me this wonderful life. Thank you. Thank you very much.
9. Renee Zellweger
Film Chicago
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Oh my God! Whew! And a kiss from "Mr. Bond." Jesus.
Okay. Whew! [whoops] Okay. Thank you. Thank you to my fellow actors in the Screen Actors
Guild. When you start out you kind of hope that you’ll get enough work so that you don’t have
to schlep the longnecks anymore, but I never imagined that I would stand here tonight in such
esteemed company with these ladies that, God, I have admired for so long hell, my friends
who I love and who make me proud. Salma and Julie and, my God, I just .
. . I have a lot of people to thank so I will apologize ahead of time for talking way too long, but
I’m going to anyway. I have all my friends at Miramax that I have to say to say thank you to,
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thank you for making film, because every actor should the opportunity to be in something that
they love so much.
Thank you to my "Chicago" family, the naughty kids in church over there. Wonderful actors.
Catherine, congratulations on tonight and the BAFTA and Las Vegas and et cetera, et cetera.
Beautiful Latifah, it’s your moment. I’m so proud of you, you’re wonderful. Richard Gere, not a
bad day at work. Go and see your smiling face every day.
Marty Richards, Kander and Ebb, thank you for letting me be part of your dream. Neil Meron
and Craig Zadan who were there every single day, every step of the way. Denise Faye, Cynthia
Enrouba, Joey Pizzi and John De Luca who gave me the steps.
Bill, who’s a brilliant screenwriter, congratulations on your nomination last night. Paul Matt,
Randy Rick, Jeff and Elaine for standing by me at the piano. Dale for stitching up the dresses
that Colleen Atwood so beautifully created . My fellas Brant, Bri, Kev, and then my girl Jenny
who takes such good care of me along with Nancy and Leslie, who make sure that my purse
matches my shoes.
And John Carrabino, my rock, I swear to God I would not standing here without you, because
y’all — we all know that it takes so much more than just a little luck, it takes somebody to
believe and he always believed.
And Rob Marshall everybody? My friend who I love so much. Congratulations on DGA
Award, you so deserved it. You’re the most generous person that I’ve ever worked with in my
life. I’ve never seen a person multitask like you did, take chances on so many people like you
did, and help such a great vision come alive the way that you did, because you were so kind.
Thank you for that.
Every single one of you in here needs to get on the phone and get a lunch with Rob Marshall
next week. And to everybody out there who’s digging through the couch cushions for the
change for your SAG dues, keep digging because it’s a great life.
Thank you for this. Thank you.
9. Christopher Walken
Film Catch Me If You Can
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
I need my notes. Thanks to the Screen Actors Guild and to all the actors who voted me this. I
love all of us. We are family, and I hope we all work together. Soon.
Thanks to Dreamworks and Steven Spielberg. Thanks, Leo and Tom and Natalie, Martin, Amy
and all the wonderful actors. Thanks, Tony Howard and Reissa Shapiro. My wife Georgeanne
[sp]. Thanks, Mara Buxbaum. And Sue Mengers, I hope you’re watching because I thank you
always.
And I’m very proud to have this. Thank you.
9. Catherine Zeta-Jones
Film Chicago
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
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Danny and I have been corresponding for weeks about our costumes tonight and I think we look
gorgeous. What an absolute honor! Thank you so, so much Screen Actors Guild and all my extended
family actors who nominated me amongst such fantastic talent. I’m so very honored, just for that
alone, so this is just spectacular.
I could never, ever think that I would be with such a wonderful array of people in a movie called
"Chicago" on film.
Thank you so much to Miramax for just doing it, and to Harvey there and Meryl and to Neil and Craig,
to our fantastic Marty Richards, whose got a bad back so no dancing tonight, please, Marty. To Rob
Marshall thank you so very much for just the inspiration and the joy of going to work every day.
To my wonderful actors that I had the pleasure of just hanging out with for six months and getting
bruised and iced frequently with Renee, Richard, Queen Latifah, John C. Reilly, Christine
everybody all of my fantastic cell block girls that are here tonight. If I wasn’t pregnant, we’ll do it all
over again, I promise you.
Who else? I’d just like to thank my husband who is my biggest, biggest support mechanism and
probably my best, favorite actor in the world. I love you. Thank you very much.
9. Film Chicago
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
RICHARD GERE: [gesturing to cast to join him] No, no, no, come, come over here. Come, come, come.
Come, come, come, come, come, come, come.
I don’t — crowd in here, don’t do this thing, come on, come on, get in here. [Queen Latifah polishes
the statue] And I’m going to — I’m not going to — what have you got there?
QUEEN LATIFAH: Sorry, sorry. Sorry, couldn’t help it.
GERE: This is - -look, I’ve been doing this since I was 19 years old. That’s a long time. And it’s like half
the people in this room I actually know and have worked with. I’m the old guy. I have never, ever had
such fun in my life as an actor. I didn’ t know what it meant to really be an actor ‘til I did this. And I
think we all feel the same way.
From day one it was we’re a family, we’re just a family doing this and it was I remember that
first summer stock job I had in Provincetown, it was the same feeling. Except then I was too shy to talk
about it, but now I can.
It ... there’s ... we’re all doing this crazy profession, abolutely insane, we play other people, basically
because we loathe ourselves, right? That’s the way it is . But we are doing this. And it’s like you look at
your life at whatever point you’re at and you go, well, what am I? I’m an actor . And I’m so deeply
proud to be doing this, as a person, for a living, with my family, and this this family. I’m speaking for
all of them, because we say this all the time. We do the junkets and we say this over and over and over
again. But it’s absolutely true.
There was such love and affection during this production. We all felt like we were in the Rob Marshall
vaudeville and medicine show for the entire production. And the one common denominator about it
all I mean, there was Harvey and there was Meryl, and there was Bill Condon, who wrote it, and all
of our ... and Dion Beebe who made us look so great. And all of that.
But there’s one guy that made this whole thing work, and that’s Rob Marshall. Never, never have I
seen someone so clearly hold the center of a production like that, and bring out the best in everyone,
from the guy who swept the floor, from the guys that were singing the songs. So this, my dear friend,
belongs to all of us as your family. Thank you so much. All of you.
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9. Stockard Channing
Television The Matthew Shepard Story
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
God, you think for someone who’s on the stage that much, I’d know how to make an entrance and an
exit but sorry it took me so long to get up here.
Anyway, I don’t know what to day except thank you. There really isn’t anything more to say, but I’m
going to say something else anyway, which is that I think acting, in my opinion, is only as good as the
people you act with. It’s really that simple. And in this case, I was incredibly fortunate to have an
amazing lovely group of people, especially Shane Maier who played my son, Matthew Shepard.
And above all, I have to pay a tribute to a man who is one of my favorite people, one of my favorite
actors, and between the two of us, you have honored me and him by saying that we were able to
create this marriage of these two people, Judy and Dennis Shepard. And so, I share this award with
Sam Waterston. Thank you so much.
9. William H. Macy
Television Door to Door
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
I’ve been a member for 30 years. It was a big day when I got that card. I love being an actor. I love
being with actors.
Thank you, Bill Porter. I want to be more like you. Thank you, TNT, for making this movie. Thank
you, Angel Brown and David Rosemont for producing so wonderfully. Thank you, Steven
Schachter for being my partner, writing so beautifully, directing so magnificently.
And Felicity Huffman, I’m so very pleased to be married to you. Thank you.
9. Edie Falco
Television The Sopranos
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Oh goodness, thank you, thank you so much. I I just locked eyes with Meryl Streep, I just need a
moment to collect myself. I’m sorry. Oh boy. Gosh.
So I look at clips of the other women that I as nominated with and I think of the work over the years of
actors that I’ve watched, you watch it alone in your room and you think, "Oh, that’s why I do this," you
know, "This is why I want to be good, I want to be on a level with these other women."
I saw some friends while I was out here, and my friends in LA and my friends in New York are really my
life, and I’ve had a lot of people say that they get together and watch "Sopranos" in groups. They have
meals and "You know, my family gets together and my friends," and you know, "The only time I see my
husband is Sunday night at 9:00, we watch the show." And I think, if I can be a part of something that
makes people want to get together in groups I don’t know, it’s a great thing, I’m hugely grateful to
be a part the show, and I’m so glad people like it.
Thank you for this.
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9. James Gandolfini
Television The Sopranos
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you. Thank you very much. First of all, obviously none of this would be possible without this cast
that I’ve worked with for all this time. They’ve taken me through this. I’ve just been lost the entire
time, and they basically just dragged me through this kicking and screaming. So thank you, and to Edie
and Lorraine and everyone. Thank you very much, thank you.
And maybe there’s some stuff lately that’s made me seem slightly ungrateful, but to HBO, I just want
to say, I am very grateful for what you’ve done. And it’s a wonderful place to work. And thank you very
much.
And again, I have to say I’ve said this before to all the actors out there that are working hard and
struggling, things can change very quickly. Hang in there, and enjoy what’s happening to you now,
because things get pretty weird later on if it works.
So, thank you.
9. Megan Mullally
Television Will & Grace
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
I am so busted. I was trying to tell Meryl Streep that I love her, which is so queer, and I literally tripped
on the stairs. So, that’s what I get. That’s what you get for jumpin’ on the bed. Anyway …
Everybody here, everybody here in this room has I’ve drawn so much inspiration from all of you, and
learned so much, and just the joy that you’ve brought me — and everyone and really, it’s
unbelievable.
And the more subtle gifts, even, that you’ve brought, I’d like to try to pay that back to you, or give that
back to you now in some infinitesimal way but all I can really say is "thank you." Thank you.
9. Sean Hayes
Television Will & Grace
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
I am so glad I got this because now I can get this. They’re just going to go right through here and it’s
going to be just a six-pack in like four days, they said. Thank you.
I have to say I have to say I’m completely shocked. I have nothing prepared. And I have to say, I have
to say thank you to the other guys in my category. I can’t even believe I’m with you guys. I truly watch
every one of those shows, and you guys are freakin’ hilarious. And I really think you’re great.
And more so the cast of "Will & Grace," Eric, Debra and Megan. I love you guys so much. And every
week you guys really make me happy to be an actor, and really are so special to me in my heart. And I
thank the Lord. And they’re so sick of hearing me say this, but we’re all so blessed to be able to do
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what we do every single day. I mean, it’s not so far along ago that I couldn’t even pay my rent. And
now I can pay all your rent. So thank you very much.
9. Television Six Feet Under
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
FRANCES CONROY: Oh my God, I’m supposed to be the spokesperson.
PETER KRAUSE: I’ll give it to you.
LAUREN AMBROSE: Yeah, give it to her.
CONROY: To me? Well, I don’t know about that. To Alan Ball we thank you for the love that you
have shown us at every moment in the writing, in the creation of these characters and how you’ve
dealt with us as your actors in this family that we’re a part of.
To Alan Poul, all the producers, thank you for all the nurturing that you’ve given us. We are a close
family and we love what we’re doing, and it is an honor to be recognized by our fellow peers. Thank
you.
9. Television Everybody Loves Raymond
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
RAY ROMANO: Thank you. Ahh … we’ll make this quick, there’s movie stars here . You know what? I
talk enough on the show. Brad, we don’t give yeah, we don’t give you enough lines. Go ahead.
BRAD GARRETT: But I’m not even union. This is unbelievable.
On behalf of this cast, this is Doris and Peter and Madylin and Patty and Ray, and all of our amazing
writers, this is just this is a big week for me, not only for all of us, but for me personally. I don’t
mean to brag but not only this, but I’m going to be auditioning for the lead in the "Sopranos" next
week and I’m very excited. That’s why I shaved my beard. Is he laughing? Is he laughing? Okay.
And Melissa Gilbert, wow, it’s nice to see where my dues are going. That was incredible. She is so
gorgeous. This is why they never let me talk.
On behalf of everybody, Les Moonves, CBS, HBO, Worldwide Pants, dysfunction is alive. Thank you
SAG, God bless you. Thank you very much.
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10TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
10. Johnny Depp
Film Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
[was not in attendance]
10. Charlize Theron
Film Monster
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you so much, [through tears] Clint Eastwood. It just doesn’t get any better. I am so honored and
proud to be an actor, ‘cause God knows, I don’t know what else to do. I have so many amazing actors
to thank who I could not have done this film without, who came and gave us their time, and we gave
them no money in return. And they are Bruce Dern - incredible Bruce Dern, Lee Tergeson, Pruitt Taylor
Vince, Marco St. John, Marc Macaulay and Scott Wilson. And then my incredible, incredible, beautiful,
talented leading lady, Christina Ricci, who… I share this with.
I have to thank my incredible manager, J.J. Hertz [sp], my friend… for having the best taste, and for
always taking care of me  you’re my shepherd. Thank you. My incredible lawyer, Steve Warren, Heidi
Schaeffer and Amanda Silverman from PMK. And then, of course, my incredible director and writer of
this incredible story, Patty Jenkins. And my angel and my date tonight, my mom... who put me on a
plane with a one-way ticket to Hollywood when I was 19 years old. Thank you for being so brave and
for letting me go to make my dreams come true. [through tears] Thank you. Thank you.
10. Tim Robbins
Film Mystic River
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Oh boy! That’s so cool. Susie’s got one of these. I’m gonna get them alone in a dark room, see what
happens. Oh! So happy to get this award from SAG. It’s so important that we have unions, otherwise
without unions, we’d be working 18 hour days, six days a week. No, but we get overtime. Except in
Australia.
I have several people I’d like to thank. My agent, first of all, Tony Howard, Lisa Kasteler, Phyllis
Huffman, Robert Lorenz, Judy Hoyt, Bruce Berman, Jeff Robinoff [sp], Don Taybin, Allen Horn, Joel
Himes  you rock! Benicio, Alec, Ken, Chris Cooper, all incredible performances, and I’m honored to be
in your company. The crew of “Mystic River,” thank you so much.
Actors need words and we had amazing words from Brian Helgeland, adapted from a book by Dennis
LeHane, thanks to both of them. Thanks to the master Clint Eastwood, for guiding us all there. Sean
Penn, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Laura Linney, Marcia Gay Harden… also a few of the other
people I haven’t mentioned much, and Kevin Chapman, Adam Nelson, Thomas Gehry, Emmie Rosen
[sp], Spencer Clark, Robert Wahlberg and Eli Wallach, who also were so fantastic in the show.
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Thanks to the Actors Gang for letting me come here. I missed the dress rehearsal at the Public today.
They’re flashing the lights. What does it mean? Susan, I love you. Kids, thank you so much for being
patient with me going all around all over the place.
One more thing, this is about supporting actors. I just would like to say, there are so many supporting
actors that make their living: day players and people my age, and a little bit older, in SAG that have
taken a hit in the past few years because of a lot of runaway productions. And I’d like to encourage all
the power that’s in this room to try to bring back some of those productions into the United States of
America.
Thank you so much.
10. Renée Zellweger
Film Cold Mountain
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Oh my heart! Thank you very much. Thank you for inviting me here tonight, it is such an honor. I think
it’s the nicest invitation of the year actually, and I’m beside myself. I believe me all know that you’re
only as good as the folks that you’re working with, and I was spoiled for riches on this experience with
“Cold Mountain.”
I have to say thank you to Charles Frazier who wrote such a beautiful book, and I was blessed to be
part of the filming of the book and playing Ruby. Thank you to the entire cast and crew, I mean, Jude
and Nicole. It was such an honor to go to work every day beside you, and especially to Anthony
Minghella whose picture I will always, always be so proud to have been part of. I got a great group of
people that I get to work with, who have integrity and who teach me every day that yeah good guys
can go all right in Hollywood.
Thanks to that crew, SCAA, my fellows Brian and Brant and Kevin, and Jenny Rawlings. And my
wonderful John Carrabino who tells the truth. Everybody needs a John Carrabino, I have to tell you. I’m
lucky to hold your hand and to hear your words of wisdom. Thank you.
Thank you for this. I am so blessed, it is a wonderful life. Thank you.
10. Film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
BERNARD HILL: The ensemble qualities of this award go way beyond the cast I think. I think everyone
here realizes that we sit atop a kind of pyramid of talent, we actors. Because we can’t do what we do
without the whole structure beneath us, and I think we’re all very aware of that, and very appreciative
of the producers, the writers, the directors, and the make-up people, and the people who arrange the
trailers in a circle and keep them warm for us in the morning, and make sure that we’ve got coffee and
tea and things that keep us going during the day, and all that kind of stuff. We haven’t got very long,
but we thank the… here comes the next president of the United States.
We thank the Screen Actors Guild and everybody who voted for us. Thank you very much.
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SEAN ASTIN: Our king… one of our kings. A couple of them aren’t here, Elijah Wood is not here, and
Viggo Mortensen is not here, and Orlando Bloom’s not here, but they’re with us in spirit.
I wanted to seize a moment. My mom was the president of this union for a year and a half or a term
and a half, I should say… To the union, I’m worried about the labor movement in our country. Tim
Robbins said that he encouraged the power that’s in the room to bring productions back to America. I
agree with him. I think it’s incumbent.
I want to encourage all of the power in the room in front of the camera to pay attention to our union
when it’s not the awards show. There is internecine strife, there is controversy, and there is a time for
all of us, and a way for all of us to look a little bit more closely. Some of us make a lot more money than
others of us, but I think we need to be involved, or the union will not endure, and these awards shows
will not last.
10. Meryl Streep
Television Angels in America
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you. I’d like to thank Carrie - Carrie, Colin and Chris, and all at HBO, for
raising the bar for humanity on what we’re allowed to show. Uncomfortable truths, homosexual youth,
middle-aged heterosexual glory, Al Pacino’s face, Emma Thompson’s grace, Tony Kushner’s
incomparable story. Forgiving Mike Nichols, a truckload of shekels to bring this sweet tale to the
masses. Of rose-lipped maidens and light-foot lads, and how quickly all of it passes.
If anyone’s biting his cuticles, ow… lest I say anything political now, I’m only an actor, this isn’t the
factor. God forbid I should seen hypercritical, but it is a fact, I’ve been lucky to act with gratitude and
joy, in this story of love that shone down from above on the life of a dying boy.
Thank you, Tony, for writing this beautiful piece, “Angels in America.” And thank you actors, friends,
many of whom I’ve worked with, all of whom I’ve very grateful for this wonderful statuette… and
honor. Thank you very much.
10. Al Pacino
Television Angels in America
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Thank you. Thank you. I can’t believe Jeffrey and Justin, and all the wonderful nominees here, I thank
you. This is all new actors, I know it means so much to get any part, you know, and especially a great
part. These are one of the things we live for, is that opportunity. And here it is with Roy Cohn, I had this
great part. Tony wrote this magnificent character, and it was a privilege to be involved with such an
amazing piece of work as “Angels in America.” And I owe a great debt to Mike Nichols for casting me,
and for helping me. I want to thank him, and I want to thank the wonderful cast and crew of “Angels in
America.”
And I want to thank you actors of the Screen Actors Guild members for honoring me with this. I wish
you all luck, I hope you all can get a part that you really love it’s really great. I thank you all. Thank you.
10. Frances Conroy
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Television Six Feet Under
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
I was nominated with some other incredible women in this category. And they called my name, so I
thank you. And I’ve seen people here that I’ve known for years. Meryl Streep was gracious enough to
come up and say hello to me this year. So many people - because this is a family, and we’ve worked
with one another in many capacities and many jobs that we’ve always felt fortunate to get. And we’ve
either been in Actors Equity or AFTRA or SAG, and they’ve protected us. And that’s an important thing.
And I love the show that I’m on. Peter Krause, Michael Hall, Lauren Ambrose, Rachel Griffiths, Jamie
Cromwell, Matthew St. Patrick, Freddie Rodriguez. Shoot me if I’ve forgotten anybody. But I love
everybody on the show and Alan Ball and Alan. And everybody at HBO are very loving and nurturing.
I’m deeply honored.
10. Kiefer Sutherland
Television 24
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
I am stunned. I got to walk by one of the guys who got me started, Mr. Sean Penn. Thank you. I want to
make this about actors because that’s what this evening is about, but I have to thank our writers,
because without them we couldn’t do this.
To Joel, Bob, Michael, Howard, all of the writers on “24,” you have given us so much pleasure to deliver
the scenes, and your work. Very quickly, I realized I wanted to be an actor, I was about 14, I was
watching a performance of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” and somewhere between the first and
second act, I forgot my mother was playing Martha and… I realized how powerful that was. As my
interest grew, I started to spend time with her friends, other actors, and I realized that as different as
they all were, they were connected by a bond.
And there was a freedom in that bond and they became my family and as my career has developed,
actors have been my family, and to get this from you, I cannot thank you enough.
Thank you very much. It’s a true honor. Cheers.
10. Megan Mullally
Television Will & Grace
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
MEGAN MULLALLY: Okay, well I brought Mother Nature with me. Because I couldn’t do the show
without Debra and Sean and Eric, they are so amazing. And Debra is so deserving, she’s just a great
actress, I hope you all get a chance to work with her some day, it’s a real treat. Other than that, I am
absolutely stunned to be standing here, that’s why I brought Debra, so I thought may she could say
something about me. ‘Cause I got nothin’.
DEBRA MESSING: She’s really, really funny.
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MULLALLY: How ‘bout that. But my dad was an actor and I struggled for almost 20 years before I got
“Will & Grace,” and the greatest thing about it is to be able to have a forum to express yourself
creatively. I feel so lucky, and I cannot believe that I have been recognized now, three times, by you.
And the people out there watching, who aren’t here tonight, all the actors, it is so moving to me. We
love our show and Debra, I love you, and Eric and Sean, and we have a good thing. Thank you so much.
10. Tony Shalhoub
Television Monk
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Thank you so much, I am so deeply unprepared. I’m so thankful, so proud to be an actor. It is my
fondest wish that all of you, all of the actors here tonight, and watching at home, have the opportunity
to work with a team of people that I work with. I want to thank our executive producer and co-creator,
David Hoberman for two things. First for coming up with the idea for this character, and second, for
recruiting the perfect writer to bring this character and all the characters to life, Andy Breckman.
Thanks to Andy and his whole team of writers.
And I want to thank my manager and dear friend Mary Goldberg who’s here tonight. For her faith and
guidance for persuading me to do this part. And Jeff Wachtel at USA for working his magic, to make
that this show saw the light of day in the first place.
Also to our show runner, Randy Zisk, and our supervising producer, Fern Field, who inspires all of us
with her work ethic, which basically centers around the idea that it’s never good enough. Thank you,
Fern, we couldn’t do this without you. To the cast and crew, my beautiful family, and all of you, I thank
you.
10. Television Six Feet Under
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
PETER KRAUSE: Our cast keeps growing every year. I think I can safely speak for the rest of the cast
when I say that as a group we always find it a lot more interesting what happens between two people
rather than what one person is doing. And this is the only occasion that an ensemble gets to be
awarded in the award arena, so I think we’re all very happy to be standing up here together, as happy
as we are to be working with each other.
I’d like to thank HBO, a terrific team of writers led by Alan Ball and… 20 seconds. Anything else
anybody wants to say in the next 20 seconds? It’s a terrific group of people to work with and we all
couldn’t be happier. Thank you very much.
10. Television Sex and the City
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
KRISTIN DAVIS: Omigod! I’m the designated speaker, so bear with me. Hold on… You know, you guys
have been unbelievably generous to us during the course of our show. And it means so much to all of
us, and to Sarah Jessica, that you have embraced us, and that so many of you have come to act with us.
We’ve had more good-looking men on our show
KIM CATTRALL: And more fun.
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DAVIS: Absolutely. So we want to thank you. It’s meant more than I think any of us have found a good
way to express. We want to thank HBO for being brave and letting us do some strange things. And we
want to thank Sarah Jessica, and Michael Patrick, and all of our wonderful writers. And all of our
background players who had to look like they were having the most fun at a nightclub ever, in New
York City, ever. So we will all miss you so much. And thank you again.
CATTRALL: Thank you.
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11TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
11. Jamie Foxx
Film Ray
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
JAMIE FOXX: We have to do it for Ray. [singing] Ohhhhh"...
AUDIENCE: Ohhhh...
FOXX: Ah-h-h...
AUDIENCE: Ah-h-h...
FOXX: Yeah, you're ready. First of all, I just want to say thank you to SAG Awards, my peers, to
everybody that voted for this. Thank you, for Ray Charles, for just living so complex and so interested in
making us just come together as everybody. I watch - I tell you this story, I was in D.C., and it was for
the Black Caucus, and we screened this film. And a young black kid stood up, and he had a jersey on,
and he had his bling-bling on, and everybody was wondering, "What is this kid gonna say," 'cause it
was like the question and answering.
And he said, "Foxx, do you think this might like give you a nom, or somethin' like that?" And he said, "a
nom," and he was talking about the Oscar nom, or Screen Actors Guild, and it was beautiful to see the
education that's going on with this film, because everybody's getting on board with this. So, thank you
for that.
Thank you for Taylor Hackford, for taking the chance with an African American film - Taylor you're my
director of the year, man, no matter what. Thank you for that beautiful cast that's sitting right over
there on that table, that can go with anybody. You guys are incredible to me, and I split this up and I
share it with you - right there at that table. Yeah.
Jamie and Marcus King, my managers, CAA my agents, Kim Hodges, Rick Kurtzman, Steve Smoot,
everybody, and to all the actors that I'm looking at in this crowd that I'm going to get autographs from,
and pictures and everything. And so I can put 'em up on my wall, so I can front and say, "Yeah, those
are my good friends."
And Denzel Washington - when I saw Denzel Washington, he was such an ambassador, as an actor. And
I met Denzel Washington a long time ago, and I hope he never ever remembers how I met him.
Because I wasn't Jamie Foxx at the time, I was Eric Bishop, I was just a young comic in LA trying to come
up, and the Roxbury was going off at the time. I don't know if anybody ever been to the Roxbury, but I
could not get in for nothin'. And I see Denzel come out. And I don't know if you know, but Black people
march when they get excited. And I saw Denzel and I said, "Denzellll!" And he took his elbow and stuck
me right in the throat and said, "Hold on. Hold on. What's goin' on? What's goin' on?" And told him
how much I...
And I'm sittin' there with his elbow on my throat and I'm trying to tell him that "I really love what you
do, dog." And from that moment, all the way up to being in Venice, Italy, when Denzel calls me out of
the room and says, "Come down to the front, I need to talk to you." And he said, "I've been hearing
some things. I've been hearing some things. I don't want to scare you, but just keep doin' what you're
doin'. If you win or if you lose, keep walkin' in the same direction."
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I'm walkin', D.
11. Hilary Swank
Film Million Dollar Baby
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
I am amazed, lucky, thankful, speechless and quite frankly stunned to be a working actor. I thank my
fellow SAG members for this incredible honor, this award means so much to me. And I also want to
acknowledge my fellow nominees who inspire me to be a better actor.
You know, I also can't believe I'm a working actor, working with the legendary Clint Eastwood, and the
always amazing Morgan Freeman. I think one of the rarest qualities, and most important qualities is
the - being able to believe in someone else. And Clint, your unwavering belief in me, I am just so
thankful for that. I am thankful to you for reminding me to trust my instincts, and allowing me to trust
my instincts.
And I am in such awe - it's hard enough to be an actor, and how you directed this picture, while giving
the performance of a lifetime, producing and composing, I bow down to you, you are a talent beyond
compare. And if I'm half the person you are, and half the talent you are, when I'm 74, I will know I have
accomplished something great.
I want to thank Tom Rosenberg and Gary Lucchesi for sending me this beautiful script, Al Ruddy, and
let's see - the wrapping up sign is coming, but you don't understand, we work so hard, please give me a
moment to talk... Let's see, Phyllis Huffman, our casting director, oh let's see, my trainers, Grant
Roberts and Hector Rocca, and Tonya Makomis [sp] - Clint's telling me to wrap it up. And my mom. You
know what? My mom for believing in me from the very beginning. So anyway, I thank you for this great
honor and I want to also thank my husband for just putting up with me. Thank you.
11. Morgan Freeman
Film Million Dollar Baby
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
[singing] "Who was the long tall stranger there, Maverick is his name. Ridin' the trail to who knows
where, luck is his companion, gambling is his game."
I want to thank anybody who I ever met. I want to thank Clint Eastwood and his entire family. I want to
thank Hillary Swank, Al Ruddy coming to us with this wonderful script. And I want to thank you all so
much.
11. Cate Blanchett
Film The Aviator
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Thank you. I so didn't expected this. I wore a really tight dress that's very ungracious walking up those
stairs. Thank you very much, I sort of don't know where to begin.
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Playing Katharine Hepburn, I absolutely did not expect to be standing here in front of you all. But
Hepburn aside, I actually would like to say, as an actor coming from another country to this country, I
am so astounded and amazed, and grateful, at the power of the SAG union and what it does for its
members. And I hope that other countries, mine own included, you know, is inspired by that - I think
it's incredible.
So, I thank you very much. I think the head, shoulders, knees and toes of this belong to Martin
Scorsese, who led us all and gave us great courage - I'm shaking. Thank you so much. And to Leonardo
and to Graham King who were so incredibly welcoming. To Morag Ross, who painted every single
freckle on my face, and everyone, because it's an absolute team effort and a team on it. I don't know
where to begin, I'm overwhelmed. Thank you so much.
11. Film Sideways
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
SANDRA OH: Thank you so much. We've had such a great ride and this has been such a great
experience to be here with all fellow actors. To Paul Giamatti, the center of our ensemble, I thank you
so much. This has been such a pure filmmaking experience, and for a variety of reasons, 'cause
everyone was working at their best. And thank you to our great casting director, John Jackson, who
brought us Marylouise Burke and Jessica Hecht and Patrick Gallagher, the great and naked M.C. Gainey
VIRGINIA MADSEN: The naked man.
OH: Yeah, the naked man. To Fox, Searchlight, Mr. G., and Peter Price, Claudia Lewis, who supported
this film tremendously, and all the foxy ladies at Fox who support us. And mostly to our great
producer, Michael London, and because they never questioned the director's vision to cast who he
wanted. And I thank you guys for that, because it doesn't happen all the time. And of course, to our
great visionary director, Alexander Payne who... he's great, he's really great... who is in Sweden right
now - hi honey - and to Jim Taylor, who wrote such a beautiful script, which is like manna from Heaven
for all actors.
For Alexander Payne the director, who saw in each one of us something that most people don't usually
see. So, thank you for giving us a shot, and thank you for voting for us. Thank you.
11. Glenn Close
Television The Lion in Winter
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Thank you so much, it means the world to me, to get this award from my peers. I adore what I do, I
think it's the most wonderful profession in the world, and I want to share it with my collaborators,
every single one of them, on the amazing experience that was "Lion in Winter."
It was daunting taking on a role, word-for-word, that was made iconic by the great Katharine Hepburn,
who won an Oscar for it. But I have to tell you a story very quickly. When I was a senior in college at
William and Mary, I was painting scenery backstage, and the Dick Cavett interview with Hepburn, the
only time she was ever on television, happened to be playing.
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And so I knew that I had wanted to be an actress, but something happened to be that night watching
her. And I said to myself, "If that's who you want to be, do it!" And the next day I went to the office of
the head of the theater department, I asked to be nominated for a series of national auditions. I ended
up that fall with my first job as an understudy on Broadway.
And later, when Hepburn was celebrated at the Kennedy Center Honors, I was one of the group of
artists that helped celebrate her. And she came back stage, which was very rare, and I was coerced into
telling her this story. And so I kind of stuttered it, you know, about she had had a real impact, and was
the reason why I got my first job.
And days later, I received this letter, which hangs on a wall in my house, in a place of honor. And what
she wrote to me was this: "I'm glad I persuaded you when you were a mere child to join this terrible
profession, this terrifying profession, and let's face it, this delicious way to spend your life."
Thank you very much.
11. Geoffrey Rush
Television The Life and Death of Peter Sellers
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Thank you very much. I don’t know how you calibrate acting. I can’t define for myself how you do it or
how it turns out. But to be nominated by the Guild in such great company is a really thrilling
benchmark. I delude myself actually into thinking that when I’m naked, I look like this guy. I love that
he’s called The Actor, and he’s not “The Talent” or “The Celebrity” or “The Sound Byter” or “The
Whore” or all of the things that we sometimes, you know, have to succumb to.
11. Jennifer Garner
Television Alias
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you so much. Thank you so much. My first job, Melissa Gilbert played my mom. I called her
Laura, every day in the make-up trailer. I practically called her Half-Pint - it's so fun to be sitting with
her. I've claimed James Garner for years as a relative, it's wonderful to be in this room, and to be part
of this union.
And the day my parents accepted that I was an actor was the day I told them, "I get insurance." So,
thank you to SAG and thank you to all the actors that we work with on "Alias," the background, my
stunt double, Shauna Duggins, my stand-in, Nancy Wetzel, my incredible cast, the writers, ABC,
everybody, we're so lucky to have this job. We have a blast. Thank you so, so much.
11. Jerry Orbach
Television Law & Order
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
xxxxx: Thank you. Thank you. Oh!
JAMES DENTON: It's very heavy.
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xxxx: Oh no. Oh... Oh God, how bittersweet, but it's still sweet. Thank you. Thank all of you. God, if
Jerry were here, he would be - he would be so articulate and so giving and loving, and receiving, all of
you, for this beautiful award.
Jerry was an actor and he loved actors. He loved kibitzing with them, he loved playing cards with them,
he loved playing Scrabble with them, but he loved being with them. Jerry had a motto. He said, "Never
leave a hit show." It was a good one. He did it for the audiences of Broadway, for a good 35-years, with
all the major long-running shows that he did, "Promises" - good Lord, the original "Chicago," which
that's where we met and fell in love - "42nd Street," on and on and on.
And in between, the wonderful Dick Wolf said, "Would you consider 'Law & Order"?" And of course, it
brought him back to his beloved Broadway, 'cause he could spend time on and around Broadway. Oh
God, and it gave him the longest-running show of his heart. He loved it, he stayed there till the end,
and he always said, "Never leave a hit show."
May you all never leave your hit show. Thank you so much. God, it's heavy. Thank you.
11. Teri Hatcher
Television Desperate Housewives
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Wow, it's really... Okay, it's really heavy, that's one thing... Okay, I sort of didn't expect this and... .look
at this, all these amazing actors.
I came to Los Angeles as a dancing extra in "The Love Boat" in 1985, and since then I got to work with
Christopher Guest and Kevin Bacon, and Kevin Kline, and Sally Field, and Whoopi Goldberg and... God,
like a lot of movies and TV shows, for really having no career a year ago. And I just - I learned from all
those people and I am so proud to be a part of this group.
I never thought I could even call myself an actor, and I want to thank you for letting me sort of
rediscover myself, for giving me a chance to maybe get rid of old perceptions and be a part of this
group of wonderful cast on the show, with amazing writers, and Jamie Denton and Andrea Bowen, my
boyfriend and my daughter, who don't get all of the press of all of the lovely housewives, but make me
so great in those scenes. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be anywhere, and the same thing to all of you
ladies, it's just the most wonderful job, and thank you very much.
11. Tony Shalhoub
Television Monk
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Thank you very much. I’m so proud to be among you in this group. They asked us not to go through a
whole long list of thank you’s this year, but I just want to extend my gratitude to all of the guest actors
who come onto series television.
As series regulars, our job is made so much easier to be in the head of the character week in and week
out, as Jamie Foxx proved so well tonight. But for the guest actors who come into a show without any
preparation, without any time to rehearse, their job is so much harder, to capture the tone, to create a
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character, to work in harmony with actors and directors they have not worked with before. I want to
extend my gratitude to them. Thank you all.
11. Television CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
WILLIAM PETERSEN: Well, this is a shock. The only explanation for this is that somehow in the last year,
every one of you tried to act with rubber gloves and tweezers. Although I will have to say that when
you share your close-up with carpet fibers, you're doing a little bit of ensemble acting.
The best thing about being an actor is that we get to hang out with other actors. We enjoy being with
each other every day, we care about each other, we're friends, and that's truly our reward. We're
proud to be members of the Screen Actors Guild, the best private club in the world, and we would like
to thank our fellowship of gypsies for this lovely award.
Thank you. Peace.
11. Television Desperate Housewives
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
DOUG SAVANT: Good evening. We'd like to use this award to ring the death knell to reality television.
The incredible success of "Desperate Housewives" begins and ends with one man, and that's Mr. Marc
Cherry. He is actually in his office right now working, writing, and he is as kind and generous, and
ethical as he is talented. And we wanted to let you know that tonight.
We want to thank our executive producer, Mr. Tom Spezialy and Michael Edelstein. The overworked
and often under-recognized, Mr. George Perkins, all of - is George here? - all of our directors and
writers who make our show all that it is. We would also - no actor stands on the stage without first
gaining the support and confidence of a casting director, and we have two brilliant casting directors -
because they cast us - they are Junie Lowry-Johnson and Scott Genkinger.
All you actors out there, if you do audition for our show, you will be treated well, you will be treated
with respect, and when you leave, you will think, "Wow! That was almost like acting." Lastly, we too
celebrate, or share this award, with every guest cast and day player who has graced our set with their
talent. And to our Screen Actors Guild stand-ins, Rosie, Jenny, Patty, Sandra, Scott, Dawn, Mark, and
Eric who runs the football pool.
Thank you for this honor. God bless.
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12TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
12. Philip Seymour Hoffman
Film Capote
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Wow... this is nerve-wracking. I want to thank the Guild very much for this honor. It's a huge, huge,
huge honor. And I just was watching these clips, and I love actors, too. Everyone's been saying that
tonight, and I love and have loved the performances of these actors for a long time. And I wanted to
say, David Straithairn, I saw you last night, and I wanted to say to you that I looked up to you when I
was younger, and I still look up to you. And I think a lot of people in this room feel the same way.
[applause/cheers]
And I want to thank Sony Classics, you guys are fabulous. You guys have been fabulous. And I wanted
to talk about my “Capote” family, 'cause that's really what we are. And I have all the names here 'cause
I didn't want to forget anybody. Catherine Keener, well, you all know about Catherine Keener. Clifton
Collins, who is fabulous in this. Bruce Greenwood, Chris Cooper, you know. ... Mark Pellegrino, who I
think the most fantastic transformation in this film. Bob Balaban, my friend; Amy Ryan, the beautiful,
beautiful Amy Ryan, and Marshall Bell.
I think that it's important to say that actors can't act alone. It's impossible, except if you're doing a solo
performance or something, but it's pretty impossible. And what we have to do is support each other.
And competition like this sometimes is tough, because really what we need to do is support each
other. And actors have to have each other's backs. It's the only way to act well. It's the only way to act
well is when you know the other actor has your back. And these actors had my back. And I hope they
know that I had theirs.
12. Reese Witherspoon
Film Walk the Line
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Oh my God, y'all. Okay... sometimes I can't just shake the feeling that I'm really just a little girl from
Tennessee, but... I'm just really - Tennessee, right? I just want to say thank you so much to the Screen
Actors Guild, I'm just so thrilled to be an actor. When I told my parents I wanted to be an actor when I
was seven, they thought I was completely crazy - because they're doctor. But they continued to take
me to acting lessons and really supported me.
And I want to say that my biggest inspiration, obviously for this movie, was June Carter. She's just an
incredible woman. She was not only a very accomplished musician who played many instruments, she
was a wonderful wife, who supported her husband and an unbelievably giving mother, and a great
friend. And I think there are so many women who are the quiet, sort of silent, frequently
unacknowledged center of so many people's lives. And I think I'm just really honored to bring her out
of a certain shadow and into the light in this performance. So, she really deserves it.
I just want to thank everybody at Fox for giving me this opportunity, Tom Rothman and Jim
Gianapoulos and Carla Hacken and Elizabeth Gabler; Jim Mangold for writing and directing this
wonderful script. And Cathy Konrad and James Keach for producing it, T-Bone Burnett for the beautiful
music that was the spirit of the film. And mostly, Joaquin Phoenix. Without your John, there was no
June.
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I want to thank my representation for so many years, I have just the best representatives, Steve
Warren, my attorney he’s great, and my agent of 15 years; Steve Dontanville, who just left the
business. He left being an agent and I miss him so much. Nancy Ryder, my true and always friend, and
Evelyn O'Neill, my manager for 13 years, who is my constant support. And of course, my family, my
husband, my children, who were there with me every moment, supporting me when I was shaking.
And the quiet center of my life, my mother and my grandma, who really just aren't acknowledged
enough, so I'm sharing this with them. Okay. Thanks.
12. Paul Giamatti
Film Cinderella Man
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Gosh, that's heavy. Wow. Well then now, this is a hell of a thing. This is a great thing. I cannot imagine
a greater honor than being acknowledged by my peers. Nothing better. Thank you very, very much to
the Screen Actors Guild. I would also like to thank the fine folks at Universal and Mr. Brian Grazer and
Ron Howard, who gave me a job.
Being an actor is a hell of a thing. It's a hell of a thing. It's up and down, it's just - it's great. But I found
the best thing about it is hanging around the Craft Service table... with other actors... and crew
people... eating donuts. And I hang around a lot there. But that really is...
So I'd like to take the opportunity to say thanks to all the actors and the crew people who have spent
time with me at the Craft Service table, shooting the shit, and eating donuts, and having a hell of a
good time, because they're weird, interesting people in our business. And I'm proud to be numbered
among them. Thank you very much.
12. Rachel Weisz
Film The Constant Gardener
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Well, thank you so much, it's so special to be honored by fellow actors. So thanks very much to the
tribe. Thank you. And thank you to all the incredible actors in the cast, I share this with so many: Ray
Fiennes, Danny, Huston, Hubert Koundé, Pete Postlethwaite, Bill Nighy, Juliet Aubrey, such incredible
actors, and non-actors as well, the children and the adults of the slums of Kibera and the El Molo tribe
of Loiyangalani in Northern Kenya, and Fernando Meirelles, the director who orchestrated all of this
between... between us actors and the non-actors, with such unsentimental empathy. And he let all the
actors and non-actors run free and wild, and it was an incredible experience.
And the producer, Simon Channing-Williams, who was so sensitive in creating a relationship with all
the people that we filmed within Kenya. And to Focus, you're such an incredible company to work
with, and you dare to tell such daring stories. Thank you for giving me this job.
And my agent, Jenny Rawlings, my manager Stacey Boniello for all their support, and Darren Aronofsky,
my - I don't know what to call you my everything. Thank you for everything.
Thank you.
12. Film Crash
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
TERRENCE HOWARD: Wow... Okay, since I'm holding the statue, I might... The only thing I can say is,
when we were first given the opportunity to work on this incredible script by Paul Haggis, and we
heard that Don Cheadle, who, I mean, everyone in this room just almost worships because of his
dedication. So, I think it's only appropriate that you do this right here.
DON CHEADLE: Thank you. [applause/cheers] I'm hobbling up here. I just have to say to everybody, pay
your gambling debts. You don't want this... to happen to you. I’m gonna read it. Thank you very much,
on behalf of the entire cast. I'd like to thank our peers, the Screen Actors Guild. We definitely
appreciate it, thank you for acknowledging our film. We believe that it really celebrates the definition
of what an ensemble is all about. I mean, there's 74 of us, so it... has to be...
And we came together because of Paul Haggis, our fearless leader. Where are you, Paul?
SANDRA BULLOCK: Right there.
CHEADLE: Thank you. And Bobby Moresco... [applause continues] wonderful script. And it's a film that
doesn't end when the credits roll, and it's a discussion that we've all heard out in the world many,
many times, and it's great that it's just sort of started a dialogue about things that people on the
surface really seem to not want to talk about. But it's great to have the opportunity to speak about this
film and to speak about the ideas that it presents.
And individually, I'd like to thank Sandra, Terrence, Michael, Matt, Loretta, Keith, Jennifer, Bill,
Brendan, Nona, Ryan, Larenz, Chris, who else? Bahar, Shaun, Beverly - I got you - Sandy and Tony.
Thank you very much. Thank you.
12. S. Epatha Merkerson
Television Lackawanna Blues
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
There's nothing in my bra... there's nothing in my head, it's all in my heart. This is so lovely. You know,
if I said I was at a loss for words, there would be a bunch of people out here that would call me a liar.
So, there's some people I really need to thank. My manager and long-time friend, Craig Dorfman. This
is my baby brother back here, it couldn't have happened to me in a lovelier way with Ben.
To HBO and Colin Calendar, and all the people at HBO - I'm repeating myself, am I? To the producers of
"Lackawanna Blues," Ruben Santiago-Hudson, who allowed us to visit this woman - they're counting
me down - to my new family at Gersh, Bob, Laurie Bartlett, and Sally Ware sitting on her couch in New
York. To Roger Haber, Bernadette Jacobs, Barry Kaplan at Artists Financial.
And I have to say a public thank you to my divorce lawyer. Sandy Ayn and Clair Miller!! But mostly I
want to thank the Screen Actors Guild for making me a part of this community. Thank you.
12. Paul Newman
Television Empire Falls
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
WILLIAM H. MACY: Unlike so many of us, Paul Newman is working, so I'm going to take this home. And
Paul, if you want it, give me a call.
12. Sandra Oh
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Television Grey’s Anatomy
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
This is unbelievable, this is unbelievable. I thank every single actor out there. I'm so grateful for having
a job, and I am... so grateful for this award, it's such an honor, particularly to be in such a wonderful
category. Please let me thank my cast. And I want to thank Linda Klein, who is our technical advisor,
and all the nurses who make us look like we're doctors, 'cause we're not.
And to my stand-in Eric Oh, and to Linda Lowy and John and Will, and especially to our creator, Shonda
Rimes, whose casting vision I believe in so whole-hearted, I'm really proud to be on a show whose
casting is a little more representative of how I think the world is. So, to you know, to all my fellow
Asian-Americans out there, I share this with you. And be encouraged and keep shining. Thank you very
much.
12. Kiefer Sutherland
Television 24
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
I am in shock... this is the community that I wanted to belong all my life and you have been so gracious
and kind to me. Tonight is really special for me, I'm with my step-son, Timothy, so I really want to take
a moment just to thank my family for being so patient and kind with me over the years; to all the
actors that I've worked with, I've learned so much, I've never had a bad experience. And as an actor
you realize that you can't do this on your own, so there are some people I have to thank.
It starts with the writing, Joe Surnow, Bob Cochran, Howard Gordon, Michael Loceff, Evan Katz, all of
the wonderful writers on our show. John Kassar, this is yours, mate. And John Kassar is our director,
and I cannot thank you enough. Suzan Bymel, you've stood by me through the peaks and the valleys, I
can't thank you enough, my friends, my family, thank you very, very much.
12. Felicity Huffman
Television Desperate Housewives
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Thank you so much. Thank you to the Screen Actors Guild, to Marc Cherry, who never sees the light of
day, to all of our writers, Tom Spezialy, Kevin Murphy. Our producers, George Perkins, Larry Shaw - you
know how when you do this you can't remember your mom's name? David Grossman... thank you to
the crew, which is tireless, to the dream team of Sherilyn [sp] Stubbs and James Dunham. To Marcia,
Teri, Eva, Nicolette and Alfre. To my other TV husband, Doug Savant.
I love actors, I married one - okay I married a fantastic one. I know. But even more than acting, I love
the community of actors. I love the green room, I love the hair and makeup trailer, and I am so grateful
that I am acting, and I am so grateful I can make a living at it, because I was never very good at math.
So thank you very much.
12. Sean Hayes
Television Will & Grace
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Wow, this is truly - my heart's racing, I can't believe it. I first of all would like to thank Ang Lee for
taking a chance on me. Clearly, I did not fail him because I'm here. And I know everyone in Hollywood,
you know, knows that it's such a risk to play a gay character, and... sure I had some reservations, but...
because of the success of my film, think of the opportunities I'll have now. I'm kidding.
No, I would like to thank, at this time, because it's the last season of "Will & Grace," it really is kind of a
sad goodbye to all of my best friends that I work with every day, and everybody that works in the
show. And the cast and crew, they are going to miss me. But most of all, and most importantly, all of
the actors who thought this actor had an ounce of talent. I thank you. Thank you
12. Television Lost
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
TERRY O'QUINN: A friend of mine always says, if you don't have something nice to say about someone,
let's hear it. So, about our cast, I'd like to say that this is the saddest collection of climbing, grasping,
paranoid, backstabbing, scene-grabbing, losers and schmoozers, that you ever saw on your stage in
your life. But we love each other very much. And we want to thank our fellow members of the Guild
for recognizing us as an ensemble. And we would like to take this singular opportunity to express our
gratitude, to J.J. Abrams, and Damon Lindelof, for creating what is clear an ensemble piece.
And to ABC and Touchstone for showing our stuff to the world, and for paying us so well to do it. And
much, much mahalo, Hawaii.
ALL: Yay!
O'QUINN: One last thing, one more thing. To the rest of our family on three ready? One, two
three...
ALL: Macah!!
12. Television Desperate Housewives
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
SHAWN PYFROM: What a great start.
NICOLETTE SHERIDAN: Good way to break the ice.
PYFROM: Yeah. Well... first off, this is so intimidating.
SHERIDAN: You can do it.
PYFROM: Just thank you to the Screen Actors Guild, you know, for giving us all this moment, you know,
to stand up here and thank our peers for nominating us, and voting for us, and, of course, we wouldn't
all be standing up here if it wasn't for our amazing cast and - this is like my heart is beating out of my
chest. And our producers and amazing writers, and the brilliant Marc Cherry and ABC and Touchstone,
and just... our casting directors. Thank you to all of you. Please don't hate me, guys.
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13TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
13. Forest Whitaker
Film The Last King of Scotland
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you. Okay, I want to thank the… [chuckles] My mind is running in my head, like, telling me not to
get carried away, you know. Everybody tells me not to get away ‘cause I get carried away sometimes.
But, anyway, whatever.
I’m really happy, so… I’m really happy to receive this award. You know, it means a lot, you know, to
receive the Screen Actor Guild Award. To get an award from the people that you’re going to work
across from and the people that you’re going to work with, and people that are going to like hopefully,
like, get in the trenches with and do something, hopefully, special, or like get some magic between us
this is a big thing. So it means a lot to me.
And I want to thank you for allowing me to have a moment like this.
And, you know, there’s a lot of people that worked on the movie with me and I want to thank them. I
want to thank 20th Century Fox, DNA, okay, and FilmFour. And the writer, Peter Morgan and Jeremy
Brock, they wrote this amazing character any actor would love to play. And also I’d like to thank Kevin
Macdonald, this amazing director who like pushed it forward. And the actors, James McAvoy and Kerry
Washington, and Steve Wynn, Jay-Z and all the Ugandan crew, and actors, and all the people working
with me, trying to help me move forward in my life, to help me to be able to express myself as an
artist.
And I thank you for giving me this moment to help me be able to continue to express myself as an
artist. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I thank my wife Keisha. I want to thank God. I want to
thank all of you. Really seriously. Peace. God bless.
13. Helen Mirren
Film The Queen
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role.
Oh Lord… Be still my beating heart. Be still. Thank you. Thank you very much Screen Actors Guild. What
an incredible night for me personally. Thank you to Stephen Frears, the director. To Peter Morgan, the
writer. Without those amazing words none of us can do what we do. And we all know that, us actors.
But, you know, when I did my costume fitting for “The Queen,” I walked in and I saw all those sensible
shoes, and those tweed skirts, laid out in a row, and I cried. I thought, “I can’t play anyone who
chooses to wear those clothes, I just can’t do it.” But I learned to love the person who chooses to wear
those clothes because I learned to love a person without vanity, but with a great sense of discipline
that I understand. With a great sense of duty that I understand. And with a great deal of courage, and
that I understand.
Thank you very much, this is a great night for me. Thank you.
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13. Eddie Murphy
Film Dreamgirls
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Thank you. What a tremendous honor to be recognized by one’s peers. [with slight British accent] I’ve
been acting for some 25 years now and this is a tremendous honor to me… no, I’m sorry. It’s just when
the British people come and get the awards, it’s so smooth with their stuff. And I feel goofy up here
‘cause I don’t be winning stuff.
But thank you so much, this is a huge honor. And thank you Bill Condon for directing and putting me in
your wonderful movie. Thank you. Thank you to the cast and crew ofDreamgirls” and thank you to
DreamWorks, and Jeffrey Katzenberg, Steven Spielberg, and David Geffen, and Brad Grey, and Stacey
Snider and everyone there that was involved with this picture. I’m just so happy to be part of it.
And thank all of you and thank you, Tracey, for fixing everything. Bye-bye you all.
13. Jennifer Hudson
Film Dreamgirls
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Whoo! Thank you so much. What a welcome, oh my God! Wow. Well first… I’d like to thank God, just
for this moment. Also I really want to take out the time to thank my cast. Because of you I was able to
work and learn from the best. Yes, you are the best. Everybody in this room is the best.
I’d also like to thank my producers, Larry and Patty, and Bill Condon, and my director, thank you so
much for believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. You all changed the way I think as an
artist.
And I also would like to thank the Screen Actors Guild. You are the heart of this industry.
And just thank you for noticing little ol’ me, and for accepting me. And thank you for making me feel so
welcome. And thank you for this honor. Thank you so much.
13. Film Little Miss Sunshine
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
ABIGAIL BRESLIN: Hello. I don’t know, who do you want to thank? [Arkin whispers in her ear] Thank
you.
GREG KINNEAR: I’d like to thank the engineers at Volkswagen for——making a beautiful vehicle back in
1969 that is so comfortable, so safe. I, honestly, just want to thank our amazing directors, Jonathan
Dayton and Valerie Faris. I hope you all get a chance to work with them. They’re amazing people.
We had five not three, not two, not four five great producers on this movie. I want to thank all of
them. Fox Searchlight and Peter Rice, of course, thank you, guys, for finding a way to get a small voice
heard.
And to my beautiful wife, thank you. And now some of my beautiful cast will speak.
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
ALAN ARKIN: No, no, no.
STEVE CARELL: No, no, no. Thank you.
ARKIN: Thank you.
13. Helen Mirren
Television Elizabeth I
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Goodness, me. This I am unprepared. Elisabeth was so extraordinary and…Elisabeth [applause] from
me. Anyway, I love this little guy. He’s so sexy, isn’t he? You know, sort of naked, but not quite. Quite
exciting. I don’t feel at all saggy. I feel quite perky, actually, winning this after all. No. I’m thrilled. Thank
you so much. I had the incredible advantage of acting with a person that you all know, you all love, you
all respect, I believe, beyond any other actor and that’s Al Pacino. And to work with Al and watch him
close-hand was just an incredible lesson for me. We can always learn all the time. Thank you David
Mamet, thank you HBO, and everything. Thank you very much.
13. Jeremy Irons
Television Elizabeth I
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Into the lion’s den. As Helen said, it was you lot… that sort of taught me what it was what one was
supposed to do. In fact, I remember the very first time I went to New York and I asked the guy on Fifth
Avenue the way to get to Madison Avenue. And he said, “What do I look like, an employee bureau?” I
mean, “an information bureau?” It was a joke.
And I thought, everybody in America wants to be a movie star, they all sound like movie stars. And
here is a room full of movie stars giving me, who, whenever I start a job, feel like a plumber, giving me
an accolade, it is fantastic to be singled out among such… co-nominees: Mr. Duvall, who, the first time I
heard word of Duvall was when I was going to play with Miss Glenn Close and he was a great friend of
hers. And he said, “How can you trust a guy who sounds like that?” And yet she did, and it worked, and
I don’t know, we just do our… I’m just amazed by this.
Thank you very much. It’s a huge honor. I shall treasure it forever.
13. Chandra Wilson
Television Grey's Anatomy
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Okay. Well, I’m sorry, Paula, I got your dress all wrinkled… First of all, it’s about those 10 cast members
sitting over there, and the other one in rehab. I mean, y’all are just… holding me together. I thank you
so much, ‘cause we pull this thing off every week. I love you all for it.
Thank you, Shonda, for wanting me to do this role. Lord, bless your heart. And everything that you
write for us, all those long things that you give me to say, do I have to keep saying all that stuff, those
long paragraphs. Okay, thank you.
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
To… oh my goodness, my family here, Mikey, at home the girls. Thank you so much for going on this
ride with me, for having an agent and a manager that have been with me 15 and 19 years, respectively.
For holding on to me, thank you so much.
To oh Lord George Wolfe told me, “Look girl, you’re already talented or else you wouldn’t be in the
room. So just go and do the work.” George said, “Just try to do the work every day.” And my friends, I
feel you, so many wonderful friends I’m so lucky to have.
And last but not least, just to be able to take this thing home to my girls, in particular, and hold it in
front of them and say, “Look, with this skin and this nose, and this height, and these arms,” you know,
“I’m here!” Whoo! [applause/cheers]
Thank you Screen Actors Guild for taking me as I am. Thank you. Whoo!
13. Hugh Laurie
Television House
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you so much. Thank you. This is phenomenal. It seems to be that this business, for actors
anyway, is not so much about whether or not you do good work, it’s about whether or not you get the
chance to do good work. And I am… Every day I am extremely grateful for the chance I’ve been given to
play what is to me such a fascinating character, to do it here in America… I’m British, by the way.
Which accounts for why I’m so smooth.
And what’s more, to do it at a time when American television drama, it seems to me, is absolutely at its
zenith. It’s a phenomenal honor and a great chance, and I am – I know it will pass very quickly… it
might even have passed while I’ve been standing here. But it’s still amazing. My therapist made me
promise that I wouldn’t thank anybody. Something to do with ownership, I didn’t really understand it.
But I would nonetheless like to thank the people who gave me the chance. The Executive Producers of
“House,” Paul Attanasio, Bryan Singer, Katie Jacobs and David Shore. And also the wonderful Nancy
Perkins, Marcia Shulman and Gail Berman. And to them and to you, and to chance, thank you. Thank
you very much.
13. America Ferrera
Television Ugly Betty
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
I am completely out of things to say. I don’t have anything to say anymore. I think that what’s so
special about being in this room is that I look out and I see faces that have inspired me, and moved me,
my entire life, since I was just a wee little one. And being here, honored by these faces, is more than I
can express. And I think what’s amazing is that we share a common knowledge of struggle and of
rejection, and now of success. And that I think only your fellow peers know how sweet the taste it is,
because you know the other side of it. And it’s really an incredible knowledge. I thank you from the
bottom of my heart. Have a wonderful night.
13. Alec Baldwin
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Television 30 Rock
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Thank you, thank you to everyone in the Academy, this is a real honor. I’m really proud to be a
member of this Union. This is a great Union that represents all of the actors that aren’t in this room
tonight, who does great work on their behalf, who do great work on their behalf. And congratulations
to all the other nominees.
I want to thank our writers, of course, no sitcom works without good writing, and Tina Fey, our cast,
our crew. Especially Jonathan the focus puller, who at my age, misses the mark every now and then,
and shaves six or eight years off my close-ups, out there a silver cup. Thank you, Jonathan, very much.
I want to thank the production people, Steve Davis, Rob Albertell, Jerry Kupfer. I want to thank NBC,
Jerry Zucker, NBC Studios, Tifffany Nishimoto, and Summer Grindle, who worked with me. Matt Hiltzik,
the people at CAA, Mike Rosenthal, Matt Delpiano, Lorne Michaels, my dear friend, because we all
have to go to work for somebody every day, and I have a great boss in Lorne Michaels.
And I want to thank my mom. Mom, I love you. And I want to thank Nicole for all your love and all your
kindness, and all your friendship. And thank you all very much. This is a real honor. Thank you.
13. Television Grey's Anatomy
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
ELLEN POMPEO: We love this category more than you know. We’re honored to be in the company of
all the fellow nominees, so inspiring. And I think because this category is ensemble, it’s worth
mentioning the members of our cast that are not here.
Kate Walsh who plays Ellis Kate Burton who plays Ellis Grey… yeah, I know, Kate Walsh is here, just
behind me. Help me… Isaiah Washington… I’m drawing a blank, please help me… Loretta Devine, our
wonderful, wonderful guest cast who is nice enough to come on every week and really contribute to
the show. Diahann Carroll, Christina Ricci, all the wonderful people who come on and make this show
what it is. It’s so much more than just us, and we appreciate everybody’s efforts.
Thank you so much.
13. Television The Office
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
STEVE CARELL: This is quite the honor having these people present this to us. I was craning my neck,
“Oh my God! There she is! They’re there! Oh my God!” Let’s get serious for just one second. Webster’s
defines the word “ensemble” as follows: “a complete costume of complementary clothing and
accessories.” And even though this is not the right definition, I think it applies to our cast.
I’d like to – we’d like to thank Greg Daniels, our executive producer… for being the person who
assembled the ensemble, and choosing people who get along, who work well together, who enjoy
each other’s company, who are friends. Also Allison Jones who took part in that trip. It’s really a great
honor and we will treasure this. Thank you.
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 65 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
14TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
14. Daniel Day-Lewis
Film There Will Be Blood
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you. I’m very, very proud of this. Thank you so much for giving it to me. And I’m very proud to
be included in that group of wonderful actors this year.
You know, for as long as I can remember, the thing that gave me a sense of wonderment, of renewal,
the thing that teased me with the question, how is such a thing possible, and then dare you to go back
into the arena of one more time, with longing and self-doubt, jostling in the balance, it’s always been
the work of other actors. And there are many actors in this room tonight, including my fellow
nominees, who have given that sense of regeneration and…
Heath Ledger gave it to me. In “Monster’s Ball,” that character that he created, it seemed to be almost
like an unformed being, retreating from themselves, retreating from his father, from his life, even
retreating from us, and yet we wanted to follow him, and yet we’re scared to follow him almost. It was
unique. And then, of course, in “Brokeback Mountain,” he was unique, he was perfect.
And that scene in the trailer at the end of the film is as moving as anything that I think I’ve ever seen.
And I’d like to dedicate this to Heath Ledger. So, thank you very much. Thank you so much.
14. Julie Christie
Film Away from Her
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you very much indeed for this. It’s lovely to receive an award from your own union. Especially at
a time when they’re being so forcefully reminded how important unions are. [applause/cheers]
I’d like to share this with many people, my fellow actors, Gordon, Olympia, Michael, the whole cast of
our film, all of whom were so brilliant, down to the tiniest one. Our three producers, Jennifer, Danny,
Simone, our cool Canadian crew it did snow a lot… Oh, my acting coach, brilliant Australian, Lindy
Davies. And, of course, I mustn’t forget Adam, from Lionsgate, who more or less pushed me up onto
this stage, which is a minor miracle.
But, of course, the person who this really belongs to is the divine Sarah Sarah Polley.
Our writer and director. Sarah, without your tenacious direction, and the beautiful words you put into
my mouth, in the dialogue, I wouldn’t be holding this here. So, this really does belong to you, and I
might allow you a “little” peek. And if I’ve forgotten anybody, well, it’s just that I’m still in character.
14. Javier Bardem
Film No Country for Old Men
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
My grandparents were actors in a time when actors were not allowed to be buried on sacred land,
because they were homosexuals and prostitutes. So, it’s been a long way to come here, and that’s
something we the actors should apply to ourselves. I’ve been very lucky tonight because somebody
thought that I could be included among these extraordinary actors: the great Tommy Lee Jones, Hal
Holbrook, Casey Affleck, Tom Wilkinson, whose performances will stay with us forever. But to receive
this is totally unbelievable, and I’m a Spanish actor, and we welcome this award with all of you – from
all of you. It’s more than I can express in words.
I want to share this with my very good friend, Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee, and Kelly Macdonald, and
with a great cast of “No Country for Old Men.” And to dedicate it to the Coen Brothers who ultimately
are responsible for all of this. Thank you guys for hiring me, and thank you for taking the hard work of
choosing the good takes, instead of the ones that I was really I mean, where I really sucked. Thank
you very much for that. And thank you to Scott Rudin, Paramount Vantage, and Miramax for allowing
me to be part of this, but especially to Screen Actors Guild for this beautiful privilege.
Thank you.
14. Ruby Dee
Film American Gangster
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
RUBY DEE: Thank you so much.
VIGGO MORTENSEN: Here it is. Congratulations.
RUBY DEE: Oh, thank you. And it’s heavy, too. Well, this is my first time holding one of these boys.
Well, what an exciting time to be an actor, in the first place, and also to be in such a film as “American
Gangster.” And working with my good friend, Denzel, and with the people I’m seated with here now,
like Cuba Gooding, Jr., who’s here with me now. And I saw so many in the company Roger Guenveur
Smith anyway, and Russell Crowe, and also to work with a director like Ridley Scott. In a film that
took place where I was born, with some of the very streets, as part of the picture. And I found that
intriguing… It reminded me of all the things that happened in that time. And the realities that informed
that film were astonishing.
And part of me forever came from that place, and that place comes from me, and I’m delighted to have
the opportunity to have been part of American Gangster.” And I thank the Screen Actors Guild so
much for this award. It is… I accept it also for my husband, Ossie, because I think, you know, he’s
working on things up there.
And also, I can’t believe that last year we won a Grammy for our autobiography, "In the Spoken Word,"
and now this marvelous award for an “American Gangster.” And I’ve dug up things of his and published
a book of his, and it’s going well. So, I’m feeling very, very, very lucky. Thank you.
14. Film No Country for Old Men
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 67 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
JOSH BROLIN: I love it, Tess is telling me, 47 actors, don’t forget the little actors. [in “little” actor voice]
“I would like to accept this from… This is Javier Bardem’s 497th award. It’s sad. It’s sad for the rest of
us.
I’d like to say, thank you, this was a very big cast and there’s very few of us up here. And like Tess says,
there were 47 people in this cast, each and every one making this the movie that it has become.
And it is a risky movie, and it’s nice to have risky movies now, you know? Especially this year, I think it’s
a cornucopia of change, and it’s about story now. And the studio system is backfiring, awfully, and it’s
fun for us actors. So, I’d like to say thank you to SAG. I’d like to say thank you to the ever so passionate
Scott Rudin, who’s wonderful, who embraces a film as it should be embraced. To John Lesher.
WOODY HARRELSON: Coen Brothers.
JOSH BROLIN: Who? The Coen Brothers. I’m taking my time, man. This is my frickin’ moment. All right?
Back off, Woody.
WOODY HARRELSON: Please rant.
JOSH BROLIN: Who else? “Please rant.” Okay. And Miramax, thank you so much .
You know, this is the Coen Brothers are freaky little people, you know? And we did a freaky little
movie, whether you like the ending or not. So, thank you.
14. Queen Latifah
Television Life Support
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
14. Kevin Klein
Television As You Like It
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
14. Edit Falco
Television The Sopranos
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Oh my gosh, this was so not supposed to happen. Oh my goodness. Thank you. Yes, ten years I wish for
everybody in every walk of life but particularly for actors to have an opportunity to have a work
experience like I have had, with my family here. You’re not supposed to get this attached because it’s a
transient business. But I have fallen in love with these people and I don’t know how you walk away
from that.
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We love each other and support each other, and we made each other want to do good and be better,
and work harder, and find new places to go. And I felt loved and protected, and taken care of at all
times. Nobody is luckier than me. Nobody. I am so grateful for this I can’t even I’m shaking – I can’t
even speak. It is such an honor to be an actor, it was such an honor to be a part of this show. Thank
you so much for this.
13. James Gandolfini
Television The Sopranos
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
I didn’t know it was the first award. Man, this is kind of freaky. This is our last, of “The Sopranos,” our
last official act as “The Sopranos” together. So, here’s to you guys. Thank you very much. It’s been ten
years, it’s an honor. That’s all I can say. Thank you. Thank you for this. Appreciate it.
14. Tina Fey
Television 30 Rock
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Thank you. Oh my goodness. Well, thank you so much. I thank anyone in the Screen Actors Guild for
considering me an actor at all. And I share this with everyone in our ensemble; it takes a lot of people
to make me look like a good actor. And specifically, I really want to thank my most frequent scene
partner, Alec Baldwin. If you’ve seen me on the show with Alec Baldwin, then you know it’s sort of like
watching Fred Astaire dance with a hat rack. And after a while, you’re like, “Oh, that hat rack is pretty
good, too.” So, you’ve given an award to the hat rack, and I thank you.
And I want to thank everyone in SAG for being so supportive of the Writers Guild of America. Thank
you.
14. Alec Baldwin
Television 30 Rock
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
[was not in attendance]
14. Television The Sopranos
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
JAMES GANDOLFINI: Well, thank you very much. Listen, I’m no good at this, as you just saw; let
someone else do this. Here…
TONY SIRICO: I’m really not good at this, but we’ll give it a shot. To the Screen Actors Guild members,
thank you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We work real hard on this show and what a
helluva way to go. We’re all honored, we’re all humbled, and we’re all happy. Thank you, thank you,
thank you. And David Chase, I love ya.
14. Jenna Fischer
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Television The Office
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
JENNA FISCHER: Hi. Thank you. They voted me to speak if we won, so which we didn’t expect. Thank
you so much. We really love working together. We love each other, we love working together and
being together. And as an ensemble, a lot of the people in this group struggled for a long time as non-
working actors and by a long time I mean, like, eight, 12, 15, 20 years. So, we’re always grateful, we
don’t take it for granted. Thank you so much.
But there’s another part of our ensemble, that’s our crew, and we want to dedicate this to them
tonight. We can’t wait to go back to work with them, so, thank you so much.
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15TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
15. Sean Penn
Film Milk
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you and good evening, comrades. That was for O’Reilly. You know, something happened to me
during the making of this movie. I noticed it tonight where I noticed that the two statues have rather
healthy packages. But, you know, as actors we don’t play gay, straight; we don’t play any of these kinds
of people. We play human beings. And this movie is something that we’re, all of us involved, are so
proud of. And I, and we, are all so appreciative of this acknowledgment, because this is a story about
equal rights for all human beings.
But I have to I’m going to speak a bit quickly and tangentially, because I’m just too embarrassed to
write a speech ahead of time. One doesn’t want to anticipate anything, especially in this crew. I wept
at every one of these guys’ performances. It’s you’re stunning and... and I’m going to just pick one
thing out of the air, because I do also have to say I don’t agree with everything that happened tonight.
And so I’ll just do a random shout-out to one of the unacknowledged, because there’s so many, that
happened during this season, like Benicio and Steve and “Che,” which was so great. And all of these
nominees, but as, you know, one has to admit, that we know that the you know, at least for
television, whatever happens whether it includes Mickey or I, or not, at this next thing we know
that the TV people have got their dog fight. But they’re idiots because what they don’t know, and that
me and my fellow nominees know, is that we’re all so proud and challenged by each other.
15. Meryl Streep
Film Doubt
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you, everybody. Shh! Well, I didn’t even buy a dress! I’m really, really, really shocked! And even
though awards mean nothing to me anymore……I’m really happy... [applause continue] Okay.
I want to thank, oh, so many people. Miramax, Daniel Battsek, and especially Scott Rudin, who just
goes out of his way to find interesting things for everybody to do, especially the girls. And, oh, can I just
say, there is no such thing as the best
actress. You know? There is no such thing as the “greatest living actress.” I am in a position where I
have secret information, you know, that I know this to be true. I am so in awe of the work of the
women this year, nominated, not nominated. So proud of us girls. And everybody wins when we get
parts like this.
Thank you to John Patrick Shanley for writing this amazing piece. Thank you to Philip Seymour
Hoffman, who is... …who is just the most fun to work with, and the most he sets such a great
example to all of us, of how to live your work with integrity and imagination, every time, every time
out. Thank you to the glorious Amy Adams, so funny, so real. The gigantically gifted Viola Davis. My
God! Somebody give her a movie!
Wow. I’m sure I’ve forgotten everybody. Joseph Foster, all the kids, Helen Stenborg, Alice Drummond,
all the cast. Thank you to the Sisters of Charity. Thank you, Sister Peggy. Big hug to everybody there;
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your love and your work is so inspiring was so inspiring to all of us. Okay, I’ve got to get off, but thank
you so much, I really do appreciate this. Thank you, actors. Love you. Love you.
15. Heath Ledger
Film The Dark Knight
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
GARY OLDMAN: I’m quite emotional now. It is a great honor to be asked to accept this on behalf of
Heath. He was an extraordinary young man, who with an extraordinary talent. And it is wonderful
that you have acknowledged that and honored that talent tonight. On behalf of Heath, his family, and
his family on “The Dark Knight,” I thank you. Heath!
15. Kate Winslet
Film The Reader
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Wow. What a year it has been in movies. I just want to say it’s really an honor to be included in what I
think is such a remarkable year. And to be acknowledged by my peers in this way, I really feel like
everybody should be given a medal. I have to say that because I really believe it to be true.
I’m a bit lost for words, I’m sorry. Playing Hanna Schmitz was such a blessing, and even though it made
me completely insane. And I just want to thank the cast and the crew, both in front of the camera and
behind it. I just think that hard work deserves to be acknowledged, and these people really gave 100%
of themselves to this film. And Harvey Weinstein for his commitment, and Stephen Daldry for his
direction and support. And, of course, the late Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack.
From the bottom of my heart... …just thank you. Thank you very much.
15. Film Slumdog Millionaire
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
ANIL KAPOOR: Well, it was overwhelming enough to be nominated. But to win this is unbelievable. It’s
unbelievable. Our gratitude to the great, the genius, Danny Boyle. Our Hollywood producer Christian.
And the man with the Midas touch, Peter Rice.
The entire crew, and definitely, how can I forget the children. This award, they deserve it. They deserve
this award. They set our performances. It’s the children who have done it, not us. So this is on behalf of
the children. Thank you very much. Yeah.
FREIDA PINTO: I know this would make the kids really happy, so I’m going to take all the names. The
little ones, the ones that played Little Jamal, Salim and Latika, Ayush, Azharuddin and Rubiana. Tanay,
Ashutosh and Tanvi, the Middle Jamal, Salim and Latika. And Madhur, who couldn’t be here – Jamal’s
brother Salim thank you so much. Everyone deserves this.
And one more person, Loveleen Tandan, our casting director. We wouldn’t be here without you! Thank
you so much!
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15. Laura Linney
Television John Adams
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Thank you so much. What an extreme honor to receive an award from Mr. Borgnine. Thank you so very
much. My fiancé told me if I was to win this, not to fondle the Actor, so I’m going to leave him right
there, and just look.
There are so many people in this room who I care deeply about. Whether I have gone to school with
you, or you are a neighbor of mine, or we are friends, or you have been kind to me when things have
not gone well; or you’ve been humbling with me when things are going well. I am so proud to be a part
of this remarkable community of actors. I especially am grateful for the remarkable work of the women
in my category. You have inspired me and will continue to do so, I know.
So, thank you all. I also have to thank my agent, Tony Howard and Brian Mann, who are here this
evening. Aleen Keshishian, Jennifer Plante, my family in Georgia, who I don’t get to see enough of. My
new family in Chicago, who I’m thrilled to be joining; my fiancé. Thank you all very, very much.
And to everyone for “John Adams.” The joy of making that project was that I got to spend a lot of time
with a lot of wonderful, wonderful actors, and I will treasure that memory always. Thank you so much.
15. Paul Giamatti
Television James Adams
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
15. Sally Field
Television Brothers & Sisters
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Oh, gosh, this is a heavy Actor. Oh, dear, I thought it would be a “cable girl.” And such good actors they
are. Wow. Okay, so here I am. You know, I’m so proud to be a part of “Brothers & Sisters,” and I have
to start by thanking all of them, ABC and Disney, for supporting us. And Ken Olin and Sarah Caplan, and
Monica Breen, and Jessica and Schapker for keeping the show going. And all of our fabulous writers.
Our amazing crew. The actors work hard, but the crew works three times as hard, let’s face it.
But my family are these actors, these wonderful, wonderful actors. I am really here because of them.
And, I grew up in a working acting family. My step-father was a stuntman. Matter of fact, I think that
was one of his stunts up there that you saw, underneath all the horses. And he was an actor. And my
mother was a struggling and working actress, and they were my step-father was a member of the
Screen Actors Guild board, when Ronald Reagan was the president. So, acting and the Screen Actors
Guild have been in my life always.
I have been an actor for 45 years, and... I am so proud to be an actor. And so proud that my fellow
actors would give me this. I mean it. Actors…we inspire, we provoke and we entertain, and never, ever
has that been needed more in this country than it is right now. [applause/cheers]
Thank you for this. It means so much to me.
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15. Hugh Laurie
Television House
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you. This is amazing. I actually had a hundred dollars on James Spader. This is just not my night.
Seven years ago I was making a film in the Namibian Desert, against the advice of my agent, who was
convinced that the more films you do, the harder it is to break into television. And I got a few pages of
a fax I was faxed a few pages of a script, it had no title, but I fancy that I knew instantly that this was
an extraordinary character who could go the distance. That’s a complete lie. I had no idea. And this is
absolutely amazing to me now to look back over these last six or seven years. It’s been an incredible
journey, and made more incredible by my, as it were, traveling companions.
With an incredible cast, incredible crew I’d specifically like to thank David Shore and Katie Jacobs,
who are the heart and soul of the show. I don’t know which is which, that’s really a casting issue. I’d
also like to thank Brandt Joel, Christian Hodell, and lastly, the Guild the Guild, the Guild you. Lastly,
Brian and Susan Borg [sp] who do the craft services on “House.” And they do the finest cheesy eggs
this side of the Rio Grande.
Thank you very much indeed. Thank you
15. Tina Fey
Television 30 Rock
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Oh... Thank you, to all the members of the Screen Actors Guild. It is such an honor to be nominated
among these amazing ladies: America, Christina, Mary Louise break a leg tonight on Broadway
Tracey Ullman, I had your album memorized and I will listen to it on a giant Walkman, every day. I am
an amazing huge fan of yours.
I want to thank my daughter, Alice, for being the funniest person in my family; for coining phrases like,
“I want to go to there.” And——and sometimes just putting on pretend makeup in the mirror. And
she’ll turn to me and say, “I look like Barack Obama.” She has somehow gotten it in her head that it’s a
good thing to resemble a famous politician. I don’t know where she got that idea. But it kind of is a
little stroke of luck if it happens.
And I want to thank Alice for her patience. And some day she’ll be old enough to watch “30 Rock”
reruns on the Internet, and understand where mommy was going at 6 a.m. every day, for all that time.
And she’ll look up at me and say, “What do you mean you don’t get residuals for this?
I love you, Alice. Take care of me when I’m old and broke! Thank you.
15. Alec Baldwin
Television 30 Rock
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Thank you, and congratulations to all the other nominees. What I love about these shows is you get to
see people you don’t see that often anymore. Everybody gets older and had kids and has families, and
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it’s so nice to be able to see some old friends. And I don’t know who I want to make out with more
tonight, Tony Hopkins or Diane Lane I can’t decide. ‘Cause Tony looks so good. He looks fantastic.
Anyway, the number one people I want to thank are the other members of the cast of my show, Jane
Krakowski, and Judah Friedlander, and Jack McBrayer, and everyone; there’s a long list of people that I
want to thank. All of the cast of the show, because we get to do this show I get to do this show with a
bunch of people Tracy Morgan I get to do this show with a bunch of people who are just the
funniest, and sweetest people. We have a lovely family there.
And thanks to Lorne and to NBC, to Jeff Zucker. And thank you to Tina Fey and all the writers. And
thank you all; this really means a lot to me. Thank you very much to all the members of the Screen
Actors Guild. Thank you.
15. Television Mad Men
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
JON HAMM: Thank you. Thank you very much. When speaking for 15-some-odd people, and a half, it’s
hard to sort of do anything but generalize. And it’s impossible to single out individuals to thank. We
have our incredibly talented crew, our incredibly talented writing staff; the people at AMC who took
chances on all of us in hiring us. Our dozens of viewers... But I think I could speak for everybody in
thanking one particular person who really brought this show to life, it’s Matt Weiner. Thank you, Matt.
Without what you do, what we would do would be decidedly terrible. So, thank you very much.
Thanks again.
15. Television 30 Rock
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
JANE KRAKOWSKI: Thank you. Tracy Morgan and I had an agreement that if the Arizona Cardinals made
it into the Super Bowl, I would be speaking for the show from now on. We’d like to thank everyone in
the Screen Actors Guild for voting for us. We would like to thank our friends at “The Office” for their
generous lead-in every week.
A great ensemble is should be better than the sum of its parts, and that is definitely the case here,
because some of these people are just weirdos that we picked up off the street Jack McBrayer.
We’ve all been lucky enough to be a part of great ensembles, on stage and on TV. And I was lucky
enough to be a part of “Ally McBeal” for five years, but I can honestly say that this ensemble is a
thousand times heavier. [pause, then laughter]
Thank you so much, everyone. And we thank all of our friends in Long Island City.
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16th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
16. Jeff Bridges
Film Crazy Heart
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
JEFF BRIDGES: Whoo! Oh! [standing ovation] Thank you. Thank you so much. Aw, this means so much
to me. My god, this is a heavy thing. Whoa! This means so much to be acknowledged like this by my
acting family. You guys, that’s what it’s like. It’s like a big family with you guys, playing “advanced
pretend.” You know, my mom was real good at that. You always encouraged us to pretend, and it’s like
this is just, you know, an advanced version of that. And it especially feels wonderful to be nominated in
this great group of actors, with my buddy George, and all of you guys. You’re such wonderful actors.
I love being an actor. You know, pretending to be other people, getting into the shoes of other folks.
Please wrap it up?! Oh man! I wish I was I mean, there’s so many people to thank. Okay, I’m just
gonna have to
MERYL STREEP: Don’t listen to them.
BRIDGES: Don’t listen to it? Just don’t – you did the best one. Yeah, I love that when you just... you
know. Scott Cooper, the great director, writer. Thomas Cobb, the wonderful writer of the book. All of
the wonderful actors in the movie, Maggie Gyllenhaal, her tenderness, her strength, it was so
wonderful to be a part of. Colin Farrell, Bob Duvall, my god, what a dream working with those guys. T-
Bone Burnett creating all that great music. My dear friend Steven Bruton. And, oh yeah, Bone turned
me on to a great singing coach, if you guys need to do any singing, Roger Love [sp], he’s very good. He
does it over the phone, if you can believe it.
And I gotta give a shout out to Lloyd Catlett, my stand-in over 50 years. You know, he’s from Texas.
Anytime I gotta do a Texan, I just and just Lloyd gives me a little Texas. You know, that’s thank you,
Lloyd. And my teachers, you know, in life and in acting: my mother, my father and my brother, thank
you guys.
And my main teacher, where are you, I can’t see you? My wife, Sue, wave your hands. There you are!
Thank you, sweetheart. And thank all of you guys. Love playin’ with you!
16. Sandra Bullock
Film The Blind Side
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
SANDRA BULLOCK: Oh, if this were only not televised, so I could use the appropriate words I’m feeling
right now. I am Sandra Bullock, and I’m an actor. And I am...…so proud to say that in a room full of
faces that have inspired me, and allowed me six years ago to say I’m going to stop working ‘cause I
wasn’t doing good work, and audition again. And you say goodbye to the money, and you say goodbye
to all the things that you became comfortable with.
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In 2006, I sat in this room with a little film called “Crash,” and I got to look at the people who got me
here. So, to the Screen Actors Guild, thank you so much.
To the opportunities from John Lee Hancock, our director, who allowed me to step up to the plate. To
Francie Brown, my dialects coach, who stayed in the room when I had a temper tantrum.
To Alar Kivilo, our cinematographer. If you saw what I looked like in the morning, and what ended up
on film, two very different things. To my fellow actors on screen: Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Jae
Head, Lily Collins, Kathy Bates, the list goes on and on. I adore you and I’m inspired by you. And to my
husband, Jesse, who works so hard all day, and you get dressed up in monkey suits, and you sit at a
table with people you don’t know. And I leave you there and then you come back with, like, Morgan
Freeman’s email. I don’t know how you do it. I love you so much, and you’re really hot. And... I want
you so much.
And just to everyone in this room, thank you for making me proud to be an actor, and allowing me to
be here. And just accepting me. Thank you so much.
16. Christoph Waltz
Film Inglourious Basterds
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Thank you so much. A stage actor acts on a stage. But a screen actor doesn’t act on the screen. The
stage actor just walks on by himself, but the screen actor is put on by projectionist. Yet we dedicate
our lives to our contribution of the whole, and yes in occasional fits of megalomania we consider
ourselves worthy of a script like “Inglourious Basterds,” or a director like Quentin Tarantino, or men
like Harvey Weinstein, or David Linde, or a studio like Weinstein or Universal. Or partners like Brad or
Diane, and back-up personally like Adam Schweitzer and Lisa Kasteler. But after the rude awakening,
we just carry on with our lives.
We work towards what can only be hoped for in utmost secrecy. This is what I was granted by working
with Quentin Tarantino on “Inglourious Basterds.” For this I’m indebted and grateful to all of you, for
this as well. To all of you, including the projectionist.
Thank you.
16. Mo’Nique
Film Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
MO’NIQUE: Wow. Thank you to every member of the Screen Actors Guild. I am so very honored. There
are some people that I must thank, that could easily go overlooked. But without these people, this film
could have not been what it is. I have to say thank you to Aunt Dot, who plays Mary Jones’ mother. I
have to say thank you to the Each One Teach One Students, y’all were absolutely amazing.
I have to say thank you to Lisa Cortes, who was an amazing producer, and who put the work in every
single day. And I have to thank the little girl that we called “Mongo.” Her name is Quishay, and I want
to thank that baby and her mother for allowing us to use that special gift in this project. Lee Daniels,
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you never cease to amaze me. God got somethin’ on you brother that you can’t begin to imagine the
gift.
God bless us all. Thank you very much.
16. Film Inglourious Basterds
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
ELI ROTH: Thank you, George Clooney. Thank you so much. Come on up here, guys. The great Michael
Fassbender, Jacky Ido, Christoph Waltz, B.J. Novak, Diane Kruger, Omar Doom and myself. On behalf of
the whole cast of “Inglourious Basterds,” we want to say thank you to Mr. Quentin Tarantino——for
for what you did for this film. A year ago a year ago, we all sat down in Berlin and we read through
the script and we all sat around, and we saw that Quentin had pulled together actors from Ireland and
from Austria and from France, and from Newton, Massachusetts, and from Germany and from New
York, and from the Fangoria Convention. And pulled together such a wonderful, wonderful cast. We all
felt it was really something special.
So, it was an honor to be a part of it, Quentin. And, for every actor out there, we just want you to know
that whether you are Brad Pitt, one of the biggest stars in the world, or someone who has never acted
in a motion picture, your vote is a vote for director Quentin Tarantino, who, if he feels you are right for
the part, he will give it to you. And, Quentin, your belief in us lets us rise to the occasion and brings out
the best in all of us. It was an honor to be a part of this. We love you. Thank you so much. Thank you,
everyone.
16. Drew Barrymore
Television Grey Gardens
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Um, um, okay. Thank you very much. Again, I’m not used to this, and, um um, um... Okay. But funny,
improv is usually a good thing, and it’s backfiring on me very badly right now. I’m someone who I
want to speak from my heart and spontaneously, and this is not going well. Um, I just I’m very proud
to be a member of this Guild, all 120,000 members are just incredible.
And this started in 1933, and my family was the Barrymores were acting at that time, and I’m very
honored to keep their name alive. And I’m very... … honored to be in this room with you. And Jessica,
to be in your company. And Michael, for you to give me a chance, I’m incredibly indebted. Because we
just want so badly to express range and to try things that we never thought we could do, or take risks.
And right now I feel really sick[laughterand nervous, and that is a good thing. Because when you
feel that way, I think you’re on a good path, at least in a professional sense.
Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you, thank you.
16. Kevin Bacon
Television Taking Chance
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Thank you so much for this. Thank you, let’s see, to my brothers and sisters in the Screen Actors Guild
for including me with this amazing group of performers. I hope that we are colleagues and not
competitors. I want to say thank you to everybody who was involved in the making of “Taking Chance,”
from the inception to the broadcast of it. We should all be very proud of this great film.
I want to give a shout-out to Master Sergeant Vic Szalankiewicz. Vic had the unenviable job of trying to
make me look like a Marine. And his real job is even harder. He’s back from his third tour of Iraq and
probably on his way down to Haiti. So, Vic, thanks for your help with this.
And…lastly, I just want to say to my – my beautiful wife and family, you know, we actors, we’ve got to
go away sometimes. And, you know, not just like physically, but into the heads and hearts of the
characters that we play. So, thanks for trusting that I’ll always find my way back. Thank you.
16. Juliana Margulies
Television The Good Wife
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you so much to the Screen Actors Guild. It’s such an honor. I wouldn’t be standing here if it
weren’t for my brilliant writers: Michelle and Robert King. It’s a privilege to play this role. And it just
gets better. You always think TV is so difficult because the pilot, they had a year to write it, and then
every episode they only have a week. But you get better and better with every episode, and I’m just
thrilled to play this role.
And to Christine Baranski, Josh Charles, Archie Panjabi, Matt CzuchryZukri, Chris Noth, Makenzie Vega,
Graham Phillips oh god, am I missing anyone? I hope not. Josh Charles, did I say him, you guys? I
share this all with you. And to my parents, I just have to say, my mother and father call me after every
single episode. And they’ve been so supportive of me and have such interest in my life, in every role I
take oh except “Snakes on a Plane,” they weren’t... …they weren’t so proud of that one. But they’re
proud of this one, and I really appreciate your interest.
Thank you so much.
16. Michael C. Hall
Television Dexter
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you. Thank you so much to our union for this recognition. Thank you to our writers for their
plate-spinning ability and audacity. And thank you as well to our crew who I think have as much to do
with the cohesiveness that we manage on this show as anyone. And finally, again, to my cast mates,
thank you for your professionalism and your talent, and for your willingness to endure all those
awkward pauses while Dexter thinks his voiceover.
Thank you to my wife, Jennifer. Thank you for wearing that dress. And thank you to my mom for
keeping all the most important doors open for me.
Thank you.
16. Tina Fey
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Television 30 Rock
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Oh, my gosh! This is so exciting because every time they play that song, my husband gets fifteen cents!
So, we got that.
I’m very surprised. I share this with the cast of “30 Rock” and the writers. And I want to thank some of
my acting teachers, because I actually did have some. Richard Warner and Betsy Tucker at the
University of Virginia, in Chicago, Don DiPaolo and Martin DeMott, and the late and very, very mean
Del Close. And my current acting teacher, Alec Baldwin; I learn from you every single day. My husband
Jeff and my sweet, sweet Alice.
And I just wanted to take a moment to say to everyone at NBC, we are very happy with everything.
And, happy to be there. So, thank you.
16. Alec Baldwin
Television 30 Rock
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
I’m really happy to get an award from Justin Timberlake, but I’m really, really, really happy to get an
award from Kate Hudson. I just want to say thank you, this is completely unexpected, congratulations
to all the other nominees. And thank you to everybody involved with the show. Tina and all of our
writers back home, and our crew and our cast, many of whom are here with us. We have a great
experience there; we have a great group of people.
But I want to say, especially tonight, that I’m proud to be a member of this union. I’m proud to be a
member of the Screen Actors Guild. The work that is done by the union is important work, to benefit
people, many of whom are not in this room tonight, and don’t get to star in films and television
projects, and so forth. And they rely on the union to work hard for them, for their residuals and their
benefits, and so forth, and we have a... Yeah, thank you.
We have another negotiation coming up very soon, and it’ll be right around the corner, as we all
remember. And I just want to say, I am proud, proud, proud to be a member of the Screen Actors
Guild, and thank you very much.
16. Television Mad Men
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Jon Hamm: Thank you, Lizzie, for being prompt. [applause/cheers] Thank you very much. It’s an honor
just to be in this room with all of you insanely talented people. I’d like to thank every one of our the
male members of our cast for giving me the note about growing a beard. Except Jared. Way to go,
buddy. Way to drop the ball.
It is truly a collaborative effort the making of our show. We wouldn’t be anywhere without our
insanely talented staff of writers, our amazing crew that does in seven days what some shows take
even longer to do. So, we are very happy to be here, very happy to accept this. And thank you all very
much.
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16. Television Glee
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
JANE LYNCH: We have also the largest cast. My God, you guys, come on. This is unreal. We want to say
congratulations to all the other nominees, and we couldn’t be happier to be acting on this show. And
to be chosen by our peers means the world to us. We would like to thank Ryan Murphy for giving us
the parts of a lifetime. [cast applauds] Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, and Ryan for pitching into our
strike zone every week. And we thank them so much. And of course, you don’t do this in a vacuum. We
want to thank our crew who do in 10 days what should take a month-and-a-half. So, thank you so
much.
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
17th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
17. Colin Firth
Film The King's Speech
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Oh, this is really something. Thank you. Now, until today I would say probably if ever I felt that I’ve had
a trophy which is told me that something’s really happening for me – it was my SAG card. And, you
know, to be a part of this extraordinary collective, if you growing up in England you it’s not
something you expect to see in your wallet really. And so it has this glow and I used to flash it around,
hoping it would get me female attention. And... entry into night clubs and top level government
departments and it didn’t. And now I’ve got this.
So, I’d like to thank – looking out at who’s here I’d like to thank security for letting me into the
building. And I would like to single out just three of I think the most extraordinary members of my
profession: Anthony Andrews, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter. They’re my dream cast. I
want to take you all and just and go on tour. And I’d like to bring my resident magician, Tom Hooper;
our extraordinary writer, David Seidler.
It would have to be produced by Emile Sherman, Ian Canning, and Gareth Unwin, and of course, the
intrepid Harvey and everyone at the Weinstein Company. And just for their company alone, if not for
their extraordinary wisdom and skill: Jessica Kolstad, Chris Andrews, Pauline Marois, and my friend
Tom Ford. And, you know, at the heart of it all, as always, would be my constant beautiful traveler,
Olivia. Thank you very much.
17. Natalie Portman
Film Black Swan
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you so much. Jeff Bridges, thank you. And to all the actresses in this category and the
performances this year in general. I’m so humbled to be among you. And I’ve been working since I was
eleven years old, and SAG has taken care of me. They made sure that I wasn’t working too long and
made sure that I got my education while I was working.
And I’m so grateful to have this Union protecting me every day. And... my fellow actors in the film:
Mila, Vincent, Winona, Barbara, all of the dancers, everyone who helped me prepare for the film; Mary
Helen Bowers who trained me for a year. And of course, Darren Aronofsky, our director, who I love so
much.
My parents who, you know, always tell me to work my hardest and never me an asshole, never
acceptable. And my fiancé, Benjamin Millepied, I love you very much. Thank you.
17. Christian Bale
Film The Fighter
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 82 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
CHRISTIAN BALE: Well, thank you so much, you know, this being...
[DICKY EKLUND JOINS CHRISTIAN BALE AT PODIUM]
CHRISTIAN BALE: Hey, Dicky! All right! All right. This is the original “placker” [sp] right here, you know!
DICKY EKLUND: All right, buddy. Good job, Christian.
CHRISTIAN BALE: Thank you, mate. Thank you for living the life, and thank you for letting me play you,
you know.
DICKY EKLUND; How do you like me now?
CHRISTIAN BALE: You’re a real gentleman, you know, mate? I like you now. I like you now.
DICKY EKLUND: So do I.
CHRISTIAN BALE: Thank you so much, guys. This is really meaningful getting it from fellow actors. I truly
appreciate that. And, you know, these speeches often get boring because the problem is that when
you win something you realize just how many other people you’re dependent upon. So, you know,
absolutely, to my fellow actors, they were just stunning. To my director, producers, the writers,
Relativity, Paramount for pushing this, recognizing what they had here, you know, I really appreciate
that. Thank you so much.
You know, I love acting, I love what we do. It’s so bloody silly at times, isn’t it? You know, it’s like
playing dress-up and other times it is so meaningful and I just enjoy that so much; we get to walk in
other people’s shoes. And, you know, a life without empathy is no fun at all, and I appreciate being
able to do that.
I sometimes get asked by young actors, you know, hey, how did you get into this business, and it’s such
an elusive, so mysterious business to get into, isn’t it? And I’ve never had any bloody answers
whatsoever. One thing is, just in finding people fascinating. You know, I find people endlessly
fascinating and as long as you can do that, then each project seems like something new. And like
you’ve got no idea how to do it, you’ve got to discover something once again.
Also, bumping into Mark Wahlberg ain’t bad. All right? I mean, it helped me immensely. If anybody else
can manage to fix that one, it’s good for... Having a great team around you, and my mate, Patrick
Whitesell, has had my back for so many years. And then the most important team of all, my wife and
my daughter. Thank you, my loves. I love you. Cheers.
17. Melissa Leo
Film The Fighter
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
My God! Thanks, Dick... I’m much better when I have my words written for me, and somebody’s
costumes to put on, like Mark Bridges’ beautiful outfits. But when he showed them to me on the
hanger, boy, I thought, “I don’t think so.”
This has been an extraordinary season for me. I am so proud to be a part of “The Fighter.” I’m here
tonight with six of the seven girls that played my daughters in the film. I couldn’t be here with all y’all
actors and not bring them along, right? Thank you, girls. Thank you for helping me get a man I can
bring home with me tonight.
Thank you, Screen Actors Guild, I don’t know what is ahead for all of us in the future now. If we’re
talking about joining together and making the voice of the working actor stronger, let’s join together.
Let’s make it a real voice. Unions made this country great because it gives the voice to the working
people. I’m sorry to get political, and they’re saying wrap it up.
Thank for this opportunity, Mark Wahlberg and David O. Russell. Thank you, Brad Gray. Thank you
Relativity. Thank you.
17. Film The King’s Speech
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
GEOFFREY RUSH: Thank you to the it shouldn’t be called the SAG Award, it should be called the
“Uplifting” Award. They’ve asked me to speak because at one point the film was going to be called The
King’s Speech Therapist. But then they decided against that. You’re aware, this is an amazing
ensemble. There are two families in this story: there’s a royal family, there’s a colonial family. I’d like to
steal this opportunity because you know all these people. I would like to congratulate as part of this
ensemble win the members of my onscreen family: Dominick Applewhite, Ben Wimsett, and Calum
Gittins who played my family, along with Jennifer Ehle.
Playing Helena and Calum’s children, the lovely Freya Wilson, who plays our current queen when she
was 10-years-old. And Ramona Marquez, the young boy, Jake Hathaway. To me it’s one of the most
heartbreaking shots in the film, when he comes up as my protégé to welcome the Duke of York into his
first lesson. I think it’s an astonishing performance.
At the top end of the scale we have such a roll call of extraordinary heavy hitter actors, the likes of
Michael Gambon and Derek Jacobi, and Timothy Spall, the list goes on and on. On top of that I would
particularly like to sing about the delicious Claire Bloom who I only got to meet in the trailer. That she
puts us all in this company one degree of separation from Charlie Chaplin, which I find kind of
overwhelming.
If we think about it, if young Freya Wilson for example, reaches the maturity and goes on to act in a
way that Claire Bloom has done, she could well be standing up here in 2070, and that’s what our
industry’s about. Thank you very much.
17. Claire Danes
Television Temple Grandin
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 84 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Wow, okay. So, this is an incredible category. These are my friends who I’m nominated with: Winona,
Susan, my fellow little ladies little women Catherine and Julia. Okay, so in some ways this was a
very isolating character to play, I played an autistic woman who had trouble reciprocating. And I
couldn’t even look my fellow actors in the eye, but I was so crazy blessed to work with really some of
the finest actors out there: David Strathairn, Julia, Catherine.
On the second day of filming I was just suddenly so panicked, I was overwhelmed I had a real crisis of
confidence. And I was shooting a scene with Catherine and she just used every tool in her, like, bag of
funny. She just she, like, was mugging and making faces, and she, like, crossed her eyes, and she did
anything she could to just make me laugh and get out of my head, and chill out! And she rescued me
then, and that kind of support was so abundant throughout this whole experience. So thank you.
Thank you, Mick Jackson for creating such a provocative, imaginative, wonderful story. Thank you,
Temple, who is no act. She’s a real thing, I just played her on TV – on HBO. And thank you to my
favorite, my favorite husband, my favorite actor, my favorite man, my Hugh my Hugh, my love. I love
you. Thank you.
17. Al Pacino
Television You Don’t Know Jack
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
17. Juliana Margulies
Television The Good Wife
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
What an honor this is, I can’t even tell you, I’m incredibly moved. I love my job so much and I’m so
grateful to Robert and Michelle King for giving me just the role of a lifetime really. And all the writers
and producers on our show are so spectacular, and make going to work such a joy. And thank you New
York for keeping us well the Teamsters who have been digging us out of the snow for the past two
weeks. And my brilliant, brilliant crew, and my talented cast, I cannot tell you Fred Murphy, I’m the
luckiest actor on television to be standing in your light.
And Dan Lawson to be wearing your clothes, and Beth Kushnick to be on your sets. And Andrea and
Rose and Colleen and my Joe for taking such good care of me. And Alex Nhancale, I could not survive
without you. And Cari Ross, thank you for 16 years of friendship and pristine guidance. Oh God,
Michelle Bohan, Steve Dontanville, Frank Frattaroli, I cannot thank you for all your dedication and
support. My beautiful family and my sweet friends, you’re all so inspiring to me.
And I just want to say thank you to my in-laws. Ken and Jane Lieberthal, thank you for producing truly
the most spectacular human being who I get to call my husband. Life is just better with you in it, Keith.
17. Steve Buscemi
Television Boardwalk Empire
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 85 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
Wow, I was given an award by Alec and Betty White. That’s - thank you so much, I really appreciate
that. This is a little I didn’t know this was going to be the first one, so I’m a little – I’m very nervous. I
want to thank, and tip my hat to Bryan Cranston, Michael C. Hall and Jon Hamm, and Hugh Laurie; it’s
an honor to be nominated with you.
I want to thank our amazing crew on “Boardwalk,” they’ve been a second family to us. I want to thank
Ellen Lewis, our wonderful casting director, on the pilot. I want to thank her especially for sticking with
me and having faith after my awful audition 27 years ago when she brought me in to see Brian de
Palma for “The Untouchables.” So, I was, you know, just like, “Huma-huma-huma, thank you. Huma-
huma, okay,” and I left. And Meredith Tucker, who cast the show now, thanks for bringing us all the
wonderful actors that you bring that you bring in. I can’t talk, I’m sorry.
I want to thank all our wonderful directors led by my hero Tim Van Patten. I want to thank all the
writers on the show, and especially the one who is, you know, he does every role in his head: Terry
Winter. Thank you so much, we love you. Congratulations to Martin Scorsese, yesterday for his DGA
win. Marty, we love you, we hope you feel better and we love working with you. Please come back. I
want to thank Staci Wolfe, Lee Stollman, Esther Chang and everybody at WME. My wife Jo and Lucian. I
want to thank my mom and dad, thank you so much for just letting me be me. I love you.
I love all of you, I love actors. Thank you so much, I really appreciate this.
17. Betty White
Television Hot in Cleveland
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
I cannot believe this. I... I and, and they had to get the old broad up those stairs, and that’s not easy. I
must say, this is the biggest surprise I’ve ever had in this business. There wasn’t a prayer, I am so lucky
to be at this at 89 to be working with... You didn’t applaud when I turned 40. I don’t know when...
No, but I’m working on the happiest set I think in the business.
We have these ladies: Valerie Bertinelli, and Wendie Malick, and Jane Leeves, and all of the the
whole wonderful cast of “Hot in Cleveland.” We can’t wait to go to work every day. I know that sounds
like a cliché to say we’re family, we’re more than family. We fell in love the first day we worked
together and it’s still like that. I just can’t believe but to have this happen, on top of... ooh! On top of
everything else, I cannot say thank you enough.
17. Alec Baldwin
Television 30 Rock
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Oh wow, man, that’s so weird. I have to say, all the best lines I had obviously come from Tina, and Tina
said, when Melissa Leo won for “The Fighter,” she goes, “She’s doing Poehler, she’s doing Amy.” “She’s
just doing you in the show.” And if you know Amy, that’s Amy. Anyway, never mind. Anyway, I’m so
happy to get this from you.
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Listen, I don’t know what to say, this is ridiculous. I’m so happy, we’ve had a great year with the show,
and I feel compelled because of everybody else to thank the Teamsters. Thank you to the
Teamsters, in New York. When you work in New York and you gotta go to work, you don’t want to have
to get a cab or the subway; it was very nice to have these people drive us to work every day.
But most of all I want to thank Lorne and Marci, and Tina, Robert Carlock, John Riggi, Matt Hubbard, all
of our writers, our cast. I’m going to wrap it up and say thank you all. Thank you to all the people from
SAG who gave me this award again. Thank you so much.
17. Television Boardwalk Empire
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
STEVE BUSCEMI: I lost my speech, I had it written on the other paper and I don’t know where it is, so I
don’t have any of the names that I wanted to thank. But I’m so glad that this cast won because I love
them all so much. We love all the actors in our cast. We want to thank HBO for giving us this
opportunity and all the support that they give us: Richard Plepler, Sue Naegle, Michael Lombardo,
Jocelyn Diaz who am I forgetting, I don’t know. Gene Kelly, we want to – well, all the producers. Now
I have time left and I have to keep talking. Somebody else could talk, I’m supposed to represent.
PAZ DE LA HUERTA: Thank you Ellen Lewis in believing in me and everybody here. You’re phenomenal.
And Martin Scorsese, of course. And Terry Winter.
STEVE BUSCEMI: Thank you so much. This is an honor, thank you so much.
17. Television Modern Family
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
ED O’NEILL: Hi, how ya doing? When the cast told me they wanted me to speak, I started to think,
“Gee, I hope we don’t win.” But thank you Screen Actors Guild members, this was one that I think we
all wanted because the show, as you know is set up for an ensemble. And we’re having a ball doing it,
I’m very lucky to have the job we all are. I’d like to thank our producers: Chris Lloyd and Steve
Levitan. Our directors, our writers are great. The kids are wonderful, and that’s it. Thank you.
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18th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
18. Jean Dujardin
Film The Artist
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Oy…oh my god my god my god my god my god my god my god my god my god! Thank you.
Okay, it’s too much. I was a very bad student. I didn’t listen in class. I was always dreaming. My
teachers called me “Jean de la lune” “Jean of the moon.” And I realize now that I never stopped
dreaming. Thank you very much.
Thank you for this dream. Thank you for thank you to the Screen Actors Guild. It’s an honor. Thank
you to the Harvey Weinstein Company. Thank you to the courageous Thomas Langmann. Thank you,
Berenice Bejo, my partner. Thank you, James Cromwell. I love you. Penelope, “Niecy.” And thank you,
Michel, for giving me this incredible gift of “George Valentine.”
Thank you. Merci beaucoup, bon soir, au revoir.
18. Viola Davis
Film The Help
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
I was eight years old when I decided to be an actor. And I am just so privileged to be gazing on the
beautiful face of the woman who inspired me that beautiful day, and that’s Cicely Tyson. And when I
woke up and realized how difficult it was to be an actor, and how the rejection was so high, then
another beautiful face graced the screen when I was in college, and that was Meryl, who just…
…always inspires me. But there’s so many people involved in “The Help,” in lieu of mentioning all them,
I just have to say that, what is there but a dream. You can’t trade in your dream for another dream.
I am so proud to be an actor, and I thank the Screen Actors Guild for this award. And I have a special,
special note to the kids in Central Falls, Rhode Island, in Segue Institute of Learning in Central Falls,
Rhode Island: to dream big and dream fierce. Thank you very much.
18. Christopher Plummer
Film Beginners
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
I just can’t tell you what fun I have had being a member of the worlds second oldest profession. I
mean, actors are gregarious and wacky are they not - and I love them dearly. But when they honor
you, it’s like being lit by the Holy Grail. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Of course, my admiration and respect goes out to my fellow nominees. I’m so flattered to be on the
same bill. And I want to thank my screen partner, Ewan McGregor, who makes acting look so
impossibly easy!
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
And Michael Mills who wrote such a warm and human story, and the rest of the [chuckles] Goran
Visnjic and the dog called Cosmo, and the two girls who produced the movie: Leslie Erdang and
Miranda de Pencier]. And my little band of agents provocateurs: Lou and Berta Pitt, Carter Cohen,
Pippa Markham and Perry Zimel, who have managed to successfully keep me off the streets. And to
focus for being so extraordinarily loyal and supportive and generous, my daughter Amanda, another
wacky actor——of whom I am so proud. And lastly, my long-suffering wife Elaine who 43 years ago
came to my rescue and saved my life. Thank you. Thank you.
18. Octavia Spencer
Film The Help
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Oh wow, I need to work out a little more. That guy’s heavy. Oh my God, this means to much to me
coming from you, SAG, you have no idea. Thank you so much. And thank you for putting me in a
category with so many beautiful women that I know and love. So, thank you.
But I have to say that it was really a privilege to work on a film that gave a voice to so many women
who made it possible for me to be standing here tonight.
These women represented our mothers, our grandmothers, and it was their courage and them facing
the challenges that they faced every day, and living their life, and dignity and grace. And I thank you. By
honoring me, you honor them.
I also want to thank an unsung hero of “The Help”: Medgar Evers and his family. And finally, I want to
thank all the people out there who went to support this movie, and after watching it, felt something.
You felt compelled to make a change in your lives, so I’m going to dedicate this… to the downtrodden,
the underserved, the underprivileged, overtaxed, whether emotionally, physically or financially. And
thank you so much. Oh my God!! This is great!
18. Film The Help
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
VIOLA DAVIS: You know, we arrived on the set in July in 2010, with such a heavy load on our shoulder.
Such great expectations were already there for this book that was so beloved. And it’s been such a
labor of love. And they say that the ensemble is just a group effort, just brought together to create a
singular effect. And all these actors on the stage gave up their ego and were able to just work. And it’s
been such a joy to just be a part of this cast.
And me and Octavia, we have merged into “Aibileen” and “Minny,” by the way. And I just want to say
that the stain of racism and sexism is not just for people of color or women; it’s all of our burden, all of
us.
And we absolutely I don’t care how ordinary you may feel we all of us can inspire change, every
single one of us. Thank you.
OCTAVIA SPENCER: Thank you, Screen Actors Guild!!!
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18. Kate Winslet
Television Mildred Pierce
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
18. Paul Giamatti
Television Too Big to Fail
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
18. Jessica Lange
Television American Horror Story
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Well, this is…this is such a pleasure coming from the actors. It means the world to me, so I thank you.
Thank you to F/X and all the crazy, wild, imaginative people who put this thing together. It was a real
leap of faith for me to jump into it, but it’s been a wonderful ride. It’s great to play such a big character
with so much to do.
And I want to thank specifically the writers. I want to thank the directors. I would love to thank Ryan
Murphy for his special attention to this character. And mostly I want to thank the other actors.
Sometimes, you know, you go to work and it’s…it’s thrilling, and that’s what makes us continue to do
it. So, I thank you for your generosity. I thank you for making my work better and…to be an actor
means everything to me. So, thank you so much.
18. Steve Buscemi
Television Boardwalk Empire
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Wait, thank you for checking my wine, Tina. But I have to thank our executive producer, Martin
Scorsese. You can drink… And oh God to my fellow nominees, congratulations. The Screen Actors
Guild, this is really an honor to be amongst everyone in this room tonight. Thank you so much to HBO
for supporting us. Terry Winter, I will thank you till my dying day. But please don’t kill me, I don’t want
to die prematurely.
Tim Van Patten, Eugene Kelly, all the writers, directors and producers, our crew, Meredith Tucker, our
casting director, my fellow actors who are all here, except for some. Kelly Macdonald, Shea Whigham,
Anthony Laciura, Michael Kenneth Williams and everyone here. And also our kids are here. Thank you
all for being here. Josie and Lucy Gallina, Rory and Declan McTighe and Brady and Connor Noon,
wonderful actors.
Also to the late, great Tom Aldridge who played our dad, we miss you. And to our dearly departed this
season, Robert Clohessy, William Hill, Dabney Coleman, Aleksa Palladino, and Michael Pitt, we love
Screen Actors Guild Awards Page 90 of 132
Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
you. And to all the Michael Pitt fans out there I know, I’m sorry, please stop yelling at me on the
street.
Thank you so much. And to my wife, Jill, thank you. Thank you.
18. Betty White
Television Hot in Cleveland
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Oh my dears, my dears, my… I don’t think they can read. I think they made a terrible mistake. You can’t
name me without naming those other wonderful women on “Hot in Cleveland.” This nomination, I was
thrilled, of course, but the nomination belongs to four of us. And, please, please, know that I’m dealing
them right in with this. I’m not gonna let them keep this, but I’ll let them see it. Oh, oh I remember
you, sweetheart. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To the Screen Actors Guild and particularly to Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and all the
wonderful people on “Hot in Cleveland.” Thank you.
18. Alec Baldwin
Television 30 Rock
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!! Oh my God!!! Hey, Kristen. Oh my God! I
just want to say, the only thing this means to me is that obviously you people love Tina’s writing and
you love Robert Carlock’s writing. I want to have a big round of applause because everybody… in
television it is not going to work unless you have great writing. I mean, no offense to everybody else
here, but we have the greatest writing. We have the greatest writers. We have Tina and Robert Carlock
and John Riggi and Hubbard and Burditt and all these people, and Kay and Tracey, too many to name.
And it’s been a real pleasure, it’s been a real honor, and I just want to say, this is so amazing to me to
have this happen so many times in a row. I’m so happy, I’m so touched. And this year I was asked to be
ambassador—I’ll put in a plug for the SAG Foundation – I was asked to be ambassador hey, Brad of
the SAG Foundation. Which does a lot of outside work, chief among which is their literacy program,
Book Pals. Why don’t you check that out online, Book Pals, and do what you can do to help the SAG
Foundation?
Thank you all very much, it’s a great pleasure. Thank you.
18. Television Boardwalk Empire
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Steve Buscemi: That’s it. I got nothing. Martin Scorsese [applause/cheers]. Thank you. We are so
honored. We love doing this show. Terry Winter, thank you so much for giving us all these incredible
parts to play. Meredith Tucker, our wonderful casting director, everybody at HBO, Richard Plepler,
Michael Lombardo, Sue Nagel, all of our representation. We want to thank all our agents and
managers, I’m sure. [To Cast] Give me the names. I got time, I got eight seconds. Thank you so -- this is
such as honor to be standing in front of all you wonderful actors.
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Screen Actors Guild, thank you so much on behalf of all of us. Thank you.
18. Television Modern Family
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
NOLAN GOULD: I think it was the late, great W.C.Fields who said, “Never work with kids or animals.”
Well, he can kiss my [cast members cover Nolan’s mouth and pull him away from microphone]
RICO RODRIGUEZ: On behalf of the entire cast and crew, the writers and the producers, and all the
great guest cast we had on our show this year, we just want to thank you for letting us all be a part of
all your families.
NOLAN GOULD: Animals? Really? Do I get a beef treat for all this? Nooo.
ARIEL WINTER: Okay, okay. We honestly have the greatest jobs any actor could ever ask for. The
opportunity that we get to make people laugh each week is, you know, we take that very seriously.
And thank you to Jeff Greenberg and his casting associate Allen Hooper, our amazing casting directors
who brought us to Chris and Steve three years ago.
GOULD: And also… I’m good, guys. Thank you to the unions. See? For making sure we’re properly fed,
have all our shots, cleaned, and are put in our pens each night by sundown.
WINTER: Okay, okay.
RODRIGUEZ: Thank you SAG memberships for voting for us. We really appreciate it. Thank you.
WINTER: Thank you.
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19th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
19. Daniel Day-Lewis
Film Lincoln
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you. Thank you to all my brothers and sisters in the Screen Actors Guild. I’m very happy to be in
this room with you tonight. Deepest respect to my fellow nominees. He’s probably not looking in
tonight, but Joaquin, you are a remarkable actor and I’m sorry you’re not with us this evening. My
wonderful colleagues, every single cast member, many of whom are here tonight, gave their characters
the kiss of life and have no doubt that this is an ensemble award.
I’d like to thank Leonardo DiCaprio, my friend, and Liam Neeson, both who gave me great support and
encouragement. And when I was prowling around the idea and wondering whether I could take the
risk of doing it, for some reason the guiding principle of the Hippocratic Oath kept nagging at me: First
do no harm. And with that modest but important ambition, I set out.
And then it occurred to me that it was an actor that murdered Abraham Lincoln. And therefore
somehow it’s only fitting that every now and then an actor tries to bring him back to life again.
I’m terribly proud to have been allowed to carry the baton for a while and now to pass it on. Everything
flowed from Steven Spielberg. Thank you.
19. Jennifer Lawrence
Film Silver Linings Playbook
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you. Oh my God, this is incredible. Thank you so much. I want to thank MTV. I’ll explain that. I
earned my SAG card when I was 14. I did an MTV promo for “My Super Sweet 16.” And I remember
getting it in the mail and it being the best day of my entire life, because it officially made me a
professional actor, which put me in the category with all of you.
And now I have this naked statue that means that some of you even voted for me. And that is an
undescribable [sic] feeling. Thank you. And I want to thank David. You made a movie for your son, so
that he wouldn’t feel alone and so that he could feel understood. And I think I can speak on behalf of
most of us in saying that you helped more than your son. You’ve helped so many sons and daughters
and… cousins, wives, everybody.
Bradley, my performance would not be what it is without you. You made me better every day and I can
say the same for the movie, that the movie would not be what it is without you. And Harvey, I mean,
this is just… I don’t even know what to say anymore. You’re a rascal, I’ve said that. You have nourished
the filmmakers who have nourished me, and you’ve paved a pretty much impossible road for all of us.
So thank you.
And thank you to my family, I love you. Thank you.
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19. Tommy Lee Jones
Film Lincoln
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
[was not in attendance]
19. Anne Hathaway
Film Les Misérables
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Thank you. I’m just so thrilled I have dental. I got my SAG card when I was 14. It felt like the beginning
of the world. I have loved every single minute of my life as an actor, and I have been the recipient of so
much kindness and support from actors in this room and out of it. Thank you for nominating alongside
incredible women and incredible performances. Thank you for this award.
And I would like to thank a few people that have been on that path with me. I want to thank my
mother for voting for me. Or at least she better have. But, thanks, Mom, for being an actor. Thanks,
Dad, for being married to an actor and for raising one. It was a very dramatic household. My brothers, I
want to thank my representatives, who when you’re actor and you have great representation you are
so far ahead of the curve. And I have the most amazing people repping me. And I can’t remember any
of your names right now, but I love you. Everyone at CAA.
And I have to thank my manager of 14 years, Susan Bymel. You are wonderful and wondrous; and
we’ve been together longer than The Beatles, and that’s so cool. And I just want to thank my cast,
‘cause I was in two great casts this year, “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Les Miserables.” And I feel like as
an actor whatever you learn from one job you use in the next and I learned so much from “Dark
Knight” that I used in “Les Miserables.”
I love you guys. Thank you Tom Hooper, working head at Universal. And thank you so much to my
husband. I’ll tell you why I love you later. Bye.
19. Film Argo
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
BEN AFFLECK: Wow, thank you all so much. I can’t believe I’m standing in the place where Daniel Day-
Lewis just was. I feel like maybe I’ll be a better actor just for the, like, radiation. I am really amazed and
stunned, there are so many great actors here and this is voted on by our brothers who are actors.
There’s a hundred and some thousand people in SAG-AFTRA. Some of them never get, you know, to
come to a place like this. And they vote from home, you know.
First, I want to thank my wife, who I love, and our kids who I also love. You know, and Warner Bros.
who I love. Not quite as much, but I do love them. You know, there is so many people who are actors,
who want to be actors. I got in SAG in 1986 and I always wanted just like so many people who came
up and made these speeches, and to me this has nothing to do with me, it has to do with the incredible
people who are in this movie.
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The people you see on stage, we had more than a hundred and fifty actors. They spoke in English, they
spoke in Farsi, and the one thing that they had in common was that they came to work every single
day, whether they had a line or a look to somebody, or two lines or 10 lines, or a bunch of stuff I
couldn’t understand in Farsi, and they wanted to “kill” it to make the movie better.
Because that’s what actors do all over the world, every day. God bless you. Thank you so much for
making the movies that you make, and the television you make, and the theater you make. We are in
your debt. Thank you. God bless you. Thank you all and thank all these incredible films who were
nominated with us.
19. Julianne Moore
Television Game Change
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Oh, wow, thank you so much. This means so much to me coming from all the actors who voted. It’s
really, really meaningful. And thank you for putting me in the company of these amazing actresses, all
of whom I admire so very much. You know, we watch a lot of basketball in my family and we talk
constantly about what it takes to win a championship. And it’s not about individual achievements, it’s
really about the team.
So, I had the tremendous good fortune of being on a wonderful acting team. So, I’d like to thank them
and I want to read their names: Woody Harrelson, Ed Harris, Sarah Paulson, Peter MacNicol, Ron
Livingston, David Barry Gray, Larry Sullivan, Mikal Evans, Jamey Sheridan, Bruce Altman, Colby French,
Spencer Garrett, Brian Howe, Austin Pendleton, Melissa Farman, Brittany Underwood, Taya Miller,
Jenna Stern, Douglas Nelson, Sandy Bainum, Tiffany Thornton, Kevin Bigley, Justin Gaston, Shirley
Rumierek, Alex Hyde-White, Ron Perkins, Brian d’Arcy James, Tara Garwood, Rain Pryor, John Rothman
and the little adorable baby, Arlo James. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.
Thank you so very, very much. Thank you.
19. Kevin Costner
Television Hatfields & McCoys
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
19. Claire Danes
Television Homeland
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Wow! That’s very cool. So, I guess I’m an “actor,” I’m not an “actress.” That answers that question. This
is amazing. Thank you. Thank you very much. As a brand spanking or “Spanxing” – new mom, I keep
finding myself referring to the cliché of “It takes a village to raise a child.” And the same is very much
true of making a television series. And it means everything to be here with my buddies, my cast, my
brilliant cast.
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You know, I am the recipient of this incredible collaboration and the success of my performance is
hugely defined by that of those I work with. Mainly Damian, the dark or light side of my moon,
depending on how you look at it. Mandy… and David and David. And also the actors… Rupert now, our
new cast member. The actors I don’t really get to act with actively so much, Morena and Morgan. But
we are so very connected and, you know, Morena, for example, runs my lines with me almost every
night, while making dinner for me. So, I’m just so indebted to them.
And my team, Michael Aglion, and Jodi Gottlieb, Cliff-Gilbert Lurie and my date tonight, Stephanie Ritz.
My other date, Brian Swardstrom. Stephanie, I remember when, my agent, when we were talking
about potentially taking this role on, she said, “Well, you know, you’ll have a lot to do!” Which is kind
of the understatement of my career.
So, I owe all of that “doing” to Alex Gansa and Howard Gordon and Gideon Raff and Michael Cuesta.
Thank you so much. This really means an enormous amount to me. Thank you. Oh! And my husband
my baby!
19. Brian Cranston
Television Breaking Bad
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you. Oh, it is so good to be bad. I am so pleased and so honored to receive this award. I’d love to
thank our very courageous network, AMC, and our all- supportive studio, Sony Television. Our writers,
directors, our beautiful crew in New Mexico who work so hard. Also, Vince Gilligan who wrote… …he
wrote the role of my career and I am forever grateful to you, sir.
To my lovely wife and daughter, Robin and Taylor, who wrote…who created the role of my life, I love
you guys so much. I am so pleased that I am here with this table of great actors, with Aaron Paul and
Anna Gunn, Jonathan Banks, Bob Odenkirk, RJ Mitte, Dean Norris, Laura Fraser, Jesse Plemons, Steven
Michael Quezada, Betsy I’m so excited.
Thank you all for and all the actors who have graced our stage with their talent. Thank you for
making me a better actor and a richer man for knowing you. Thank you to Sharon Bialy and Sherry
Thomas, our beautiful casting directors. What a wonderful job. And to my brothers and sisters in SAG-
AFTRA who have endowed me with this wonderful, wonderful award. And so, tonight at least I’m well
endowed. Thank you very much and goodnight.
19. Tina Fey
Television 30 Rock
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Oh my goodness! That’s so nice. Thank you for letting me in this union, and I… I share this with
everyone else in our cast. With Jane and Tracy and Judah and Alec, and Keith and Scott and everybody.
I feel like, I also want to say I share this with my sweet friend, Amy Poehler who I’ve known for so long.
I’ve stolen many of your moves. Amy, I’ve known you since you were pregnant with Lena Dunham. I’ve
known you so long. And I love you.
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And to Robert Carlock for keeping this ridiculous train moving when I was on set. And to my husband
Jeff Richmond for scoring every episode for free, because we’re married. I love you so much. And thank
you so much where our finale is on this Thursday at 8:00. Up against “The Big Bang Theory.” So, just
tape “The Big Bang Theory” for once, for crying out loud! Thank you.
19. Alec Baldwin
Television 30 Rock
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Oh my God! This is ridiculous. So again I have to say thank you to Tina and to all of our writers, great,
great writers; it’s the end of our show, which is sad, everybody’s sad about that. It was the greatest
experience I’ve ever had. So thank you to Tina and Robert Carlock and Kay Cannon and all of our
writers who were fantastic.
I want to thank my wife Hilaria who is here with me, who is my real prize in this world, another
greatest thing. And my agent Matt DelPiano from CAA asked me to thank him, and to mention that he
was the greatest agent in the history of show business. And I want to say now that I’m out of a job and
I’m unemployed, Matt DelPiano is the greatest agent in the history of show business. Thank you all
very much and goodnight. Thank you.
19. Television Downton Abbey
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
PHYLLIS LOGAN: We are so not expecting this. Oh! Shut the French windows, honestly. Oh! Oh, would
somebody grab this. Oh, we… here. Oh! We would like to thank, well, first of all the SAG for even
bothering to consider us against this fantastic category that we’re in. We’re just absolutely
overwhelmed by it all. And here’s Allen, Sophie and Michelle and Amy.
If I forget anything, come and whisper in my ear, will you? And, thank you to PBS, Rebecca Eaton, for
putting us on in the first place. NBC Universal. Must thank Julian Fellowes, of course, who started this
whole thing going. And all at Carnival Films, Gareth Neame, Liz Truebridge, and, of course, Peter
Fincham at ITV. What else have I forgotten? Anyway, we wouldn’t… hey? Yes! We… …all our fellow
Downtonians who can’t be here, we’re really sorry and wish they were. But we wouldn’t be a proper
ensemble without our crew who are amazing. And they’re as much part of it as we are. So, here’s to
our crew. In fact, all your wonderful crews as well, I’m sure, too. Thank you so much.
19. Television Modern Family
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
JESSE TYLER FERGUSON: I’ve been elected to speak for the group. We are so honored to be nominated
against the brilliant casts of “Glee” and “Nurse Jackie,” “Big Bang” ratings – “Theory.” But also I think
we’d be doing the evening a great disservice if we didn’t mention the brilliant departing cast of “30
Rock” and “The Office.” You all have set the comedy bar so high, and if we can just be half as brilliant
and smart and wonderful as you are, then we’ve succeeded.
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We’re all fans of yours, except for Aubrey, she has no idea who you guys are. But if we can absorb any
of you into our cast, if you need jobs, please call our casting director, Jeff Greenberg. Which brings me
to Jeff Greenberg: thank you so much for these jobs. All of us are indebted to you. Ed O’Neill was offer
only so he’d probably be here anyway. And I think Sofia had a development deal, but the rest of us are
very indebted to you.
Thank you so much. This is a huge honor. We love being actors. You’ve been so generous. Thank you.
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20th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
20. Matthew McConaughey
Film Dallas Buyers Club
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Yeah! Oh, this feels good. Thank you. Thank you!
I mean, coming from SAG-AFTRA members. I mean, I’ve been, you know, been doing this 22 years. We
know what this thing is we get to do. And when it works and when it doesn’t work so well. Thank you.
To the nominees, not just in this category, but so many there were so many fierce performances this
year! I mean, the choices and the characters that so many people have made, it really shines a great
light on this this this bull ride that we take called “acting.”
I mean, I’ve been able to recently find some characters that I could humble myself to their humanities,
and then get feverishly drunk on their obsessions. And that’s really been fun for me.
“Dallas Buyers Club,” Ron Woodroof. We got an important story about an important time in America
and the world, people who had HIV, how were they dealt with, how is it dealt with now. It’s still very
relevant.
You’ve got Ron Woodroof, a guy had the clearest obsession of all! “I’m obsessed to stay alive.” He was.
Given 30 days to live, he goes on and lives seven more years.
There’s a magic spot – we all know it is there’s a magic place that we, as actors, can get or at least
strive to get to. And you know we always don’t get there. But, boy, when we touch it, it’s magic. When
you’re seeing the character from the inside out, when you’re walking out every day and everything you
see, smell and touch and observe is coming through that character into you, and it’s making sense, and
you’re the subject, you’re the “I,” you’re first-person seeing it through that character’s eyes. That
doesn’t always happen.
But, boy, when it does, and it feels like they could put a blindfold you on you and put you in a
spaceship and take you to Neptune, and you could hop off on the planet. And they’d better have the
sprockets rolling when you get off that spaceship, because you are going to behave as your man. THAT
is a glorious feeling!
There’s a man I met 20 years ago. He escaped Russia, and was not even a carpenter: built a 17-foot
boat and sailed across the Atlantic. For decades, he held the world record for smallest-vessel-single-
man-sailed across the Atlantic. He told me this. He said: “A genius can be anybody he wants to, but the
genius is always one person at a time.”
So, that, I say, that’s what we get to do, isn’t it? Be one man, one woman, one human at a time. When
we do it well, let’s keep doing that, just keep living.
20. Cate Blanchett
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Film Blue Jasmine
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Bob De Niro, I didn’t recognize you. Thank you so much. I was in such a state down there, kissed by Rita
Moreno and Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts this is extraordinary, thank you. I’ve been
away from the film industry for a long time making theater 29 seconds? Matthew McConaughey
spoke about Neptune and I think… I think five seconds…
Making theater work in Australia, a work of which I’ve been extremely proud. But I haven’t made a film
for a long time. So thank you so much to SAG-AFTRA for welcoming me back in this way, I appreciate.
For those who voted for me, I thank you. And for those who didn’t, better luck next year.
It’s impossible for an actor to cobble together a performance without other actors to work with,
without words, without someone to help you modulate your performance, without the costumes,
without the lights. So I have to thank Javier and for Will who kept the thing in focus. For Suzy Benzinger
who made the please wrap up, yes, okay, I’m on Mars at the moment.
For getting the costumes together on a dollar ninety-nine. For Santo, for the extraordinary spaces in
which we worked. And for Woody, for writing role after role after role for women, and then giving
them the space to create them. And thank you so much, Woody.
And to the remarkable cast, theater animals to a man. I’m so grateful to have worked with such an
incredible supporting supportive, generous ensemble. And Sally [Hawkins], I’m very lonely up here
without her, this is half yours, the penis part.
And, finally I am going to wrap up but I have been married for 17 years. I have been with my agent
for 17 years, and I’ve been with my publicist for 17 years. And, perhaps, Hilda, Andrew, my darling, I
wouldn’t be up here without you. And to Lisa Castella. Perhaps, in a way, those relationships are my
biggest achievement.
Thank you so very much.
20. Jared Leto
Film Dallas Buyers Club
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Oh my God, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you, thank you so much to
this wonderful tribe of dreamers. SAG/AFTRA, I’m so honored by you today.
I’d like to dedicate this very special, special, special honor to all of the people who have lost their lives
as a result of this dreadful disease. To the people out there around the world who are living with
HIV/AIDS.
I’d like to share it with the “Rayons” of the world, the people who have made a choice to live their lives
not as others would have them live it, but as they have chosen to dream it. I’m so proud that I’ve been
able to glimpse the world through your eyes.
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To my fellow and far more talented nominees, I’m so honored to share this adventure with you,
especially to the late and great James Gandolfini.
And last but not least, to my mother who is here, the hottest date in town. I just want to say thank you
for giving me such a shining and wonderful example of the possibilities of life. For showing me the
power of dreams and for being the best mother in the entire world. I love you.
And, to Focus and CAA and Untitled and Slate, you guys are amazing. Matthew, “All right, all right, all
right, baby.”
Thank you.
20. Lupita Nyong’O
Film 12 Years a Slave
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Yay! Being recognized by fellow actors is an honor of the highest order. And I want to thank all of you
so much. I’m… first of all, I want to thank the man without whom this would not have been possible at
all, Solomon Northup, thank you so much for a life well lived and a story hard to tell, but told so well.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Steve McQueen. Thank you for taking a flashlight and shining it
underneath the floorboards of this nation and reminding us a what it is we stand on. You are love
personified. I want to thank Fox Searchlight, New Regency, Plan B, River Road, for making this film
possible. I also want to thank my fellow actors, the ones in the film, of course, who embraced me from
the very beginning, and I can now call my friends.
I also want to thank my alma mater, Yale School of Drama, for the amazing training. I want to thank
John Ridley for the indelible words. Patty Norris, thank you for literally making me walk in someone
else’s shoes. And Kalaadevi, thank you for making Patsey’s scars so, so real to me. And I want to thank
Michael Buster and Beth McGuire for helping me find Patsey’s voice. And Faith Simpson for helping me
find her heart.
And I also want to thank my family who have kept it real. My dad, I called him, he was the first person I
called when I got this role. And I said to him, “Daddy, do you know Brad Pitt? I’m going to be in a movie
with him.” And he said, “I don’t know him personally, but I’m glad you got a job.” So am I! So am I.
Thank you.
20. Film American Hustle
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
BRADLEY COOPER: Wow, thank you so much. We have so much gratitude from our Screen Actors Guild
and AFTRA to be a part of this night, and to be also acknowledged alongside of the other incredible
ensembles that are here in this room tonight. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of it. And
throughout all this year in film; what a strong year in film.
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We couldn’t have made this movie without the support of Amy Pascal, Michael Lynton, Sony, and
Annapurna, Megan Ellison, Matt Budman, all the producers, Jon Gordon, Chuck Roven and Richard
Suckle.
But, I just want to say one thing, so often we’re lucky enough to even get a job. And, often our
anticipation, our excitement, supersedes the experience. Because you walk on the set and you’re
excited, you have one day, and you’re lucky if the director talks to you, when they tell you to hit your
mark. And then you’re gone and it’s over and you thought, “Wow, I was kind of better in my mind.” But
not with David O. Russell. Not with David O. Russell. Even if you get a chance to audition for him and
everybody who has, knows it he’ll spend 45 minutes on a Skype session with you. He makes you feel
like you are part of the family, whether you’re Robert De Niro or you’re Patty Meck, you are part of the
family.
He is an actors’ director. That notion is tossed around; he is the embodiment of it. He’s the reason why
all of us wanted to become actors when we were children, because he loves it. It’s not out of any sort
of charity, it’s because he demands. Much is asked of us, and if we deliver, much is returned. Thank
you, David, this award is for you. Thank you.
20. Helen Mirren
Television Phil Spector
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Goodness me, this I am unprepared. Elisabeth was so extraordinary and Elisabeth… [applauds
Elisabeth Moss] from me. Anyway, I love this little guy, he’s so sexy, isn’t he? You know, sort of naked,
but not quite. And quite exciting. I don’t feel at all saggy, I feel quite perky, actually, winning this
after all.
I’m thrilled. Thank you so much. I had the incredible advantage of acting with a person that you all
know, you all love, you all respect, I believe, beyond any other actor, and that’s Al Pacino. And to work
with Al and watch him close hand was just an incredible lesson for me. We can always learn all the
time.
Thank you David Mamet, thank you, HBO and everything. And thank you very much.
20. Michael Douglas
Television Behind the Candelabra
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Thank you. Thank you very much. You know, everybody talks how precious it is to get nominated or
win by your fellow actors in both AFTRA and SAG, and particularly for me, I’ve got a 97-year-old-
member of SAG back at home… who I know is particularly proud of me getting this award. But I want
to thank all of you out here tonight for helping me get out of his shadow, for a little bit.
To Jeremy, Al, Rob, who’s part of our cast, and all the great performances that were done, and
different casts tonight. But as you know, this has become a little bittersweet because my partner in
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Acceptance Speeches Transcripts
crime who in earlier awards have spoken about, you know, who’s on top, who’s on bottom, two-
handers - but Matt, I want to be serious right now.
Now, I know we’ve gone head to head, but… the truth is, and you know, I am not here without Matt
Damon. Matt Damon… had the courage to stand by early on this is part when I was sick and we had
to wait for another year Matt was there. So, it’s really the joy of acting, and Matt, this is yours, too,
you know that.
Thank you all. Thanks very much. Thank you.
20. Maggie Smith
Television Downton Abbey
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
[was not in attendance]
20. Brian Cranston
Television Breaking Bad
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Oh! [applause continues] [sing-song] “I won a SAG Award!” [spoken]
You know how things are strange? A week ago I was at a banquet and I saw out of the corner of my eye
Emma Thompson coming over, fighting her way through tables and looking over here. And I thought,
“Oh my God, that’s Emma Thompson. That’s Emma Thompson.”
And she was looking my way and I thought, “Who’s she…?” And she came up to me, and I lost it. I
didn’t know what to say. That’s what happens when you’re so lucky! I’ve had so many crappy jobs in
my life, I gotta tell you. I loaded trucks downtown: cold, dust, dirt everywhere, every orifice, people
yelling at you, [yelling] “Cranston! Move faster! Work harder!” And the only thing that got me through
is imagining, dreaming that one day I could actually make a living as an actor, and that’s what got me
through. Thank God!
We are the luckiest people in the world who could say, “I am an actor.” Thank God to all my cast mates
here. And, of course, Vince Gilligan, I owe you everything. I love you, honey. Thank you so much.
20. Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Television Veep
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS: Oh my goodness. Thank you so much. I’d like to begin by… [clears throat] Sorry.
I’d like to begin by thanking the members of the Hollywood Foreign Press for this glorious Golden
Globe. What? [Matt Walsh signals to Julia] Oh, I’m just – Oh, I’m so sorry. Yes. Oh, I got it.
You know, it’s – thank you again. It is important to understand that it is truly an honor just to be
nominated for an Academy Award. And… No, that didn’t happen. That didn’t happen. Do… do you have
a thing for the do you have something for SAG?
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MATT WALSH: For oh yeah, I do. Sorry. It’s – sorry.
LOUIS-DREYFUS: It’s hard, you know, because it’s award season and things get confusing much like a
l elections.
WALSH: Got it. [offers sandwich]
LOUIS-DREYFUS: There we go.
WALSH: Got it, got it, got it.
LOUIS-DREYFUS: Got it. Okay. Thank you.
WALSH: This is not it.
LOUIS –DREYFUS: That’s – you don’t have anything?
WALSH: I didn’t think you’d win.
LOUIS-DREYFUS: Okay. Yeah. I’d like to thank HBO, Armando Iannucci, our producers, our writers, the
wonderful crew in Baltimore, my agent, my family and… I don’t know, some of the cast I suppose.
Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it.
Thanks.
20. Ty Burrell
Television Modern Family
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Gosh, thank you to anybody in the union that voted for me. This is amazing. I know most of you out
here tonight have read my book, Acting: How To Do It Good, but I thought maybe for some of the
younger actors out there watching TV, I would just go back over my five simple steps for success.
Number one: Be born into a family that’s never had an actor in it. That way they think that everything
you do is cooler than it actually is. Thus giving you a false sense of confidence.
Number two: Use that false sense of confidence to wound and trap a spouse who was better than you,
and is willing to overlook the fact that you have no apparent skill set other than being a needy
extrovert.
Number three: Have no skill set other than being a needy extrovert.
Number four: Use that lack of skill to fail over and over and over again until you stumble into a job
written by Chris Lloyd, Steve Levitan and our entire writing staff. Also at that job, make sure your co-
workers are the cast of “Modern Family.”
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And number five: Have a knack for memorizing. Thank you very much. Thank you.
20. Television Breaking Bad
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
BRYAN CRANSTON: Forty-five seconds. Thank you, Sharon Bialy and Sherry Thomas, our casting
directors terrific job. Thank you to every actor who has ever graced our stage and brought their
talents to our stages and lives in New Mexico.
Look at this! We have the nicest bunch of white supremacist Nazis I have ever worked with. I swear to
you, I would kill you all over again, I really would.
We would like to just thank our creator, Vince Gilligan… You know, he’s not the God, but he’s a god in
our mind. He wrote a beautiful story for us to tell. We are at the mercy of your words. We are humbled
by your talent. And thank you so much to the Screen Actors Guild, so much oh my God! What a way
to go out in style!
Thank you, Sony, and thank you, AMC! “Breaking Bad”! Thank you!
20. Television Modern Family
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
JULIE BOWEN: Thank you. We’re gonna make Sofia talk because America loves her and her boobs.
SOFIA VERGARA: No respect. Anyways, this means so much to us because it’s given from you our
fellow actors, and because it’s so mind-blowing that because we respect all of you as the other
nominees, and because I can barely speak English. [laughter}
But we have to thank, of course, our amazing creators, and the writers that work so hard to make us
sound funny. To our whole crew that make us look so pretty. To ABC/Fox for making us feel so
comfortable. To our incredible[Julie whispers in her ear] My boobs. [Julie laughs] No… To Jeff, our
costume director. To everybody that makes “Modern Family,” and of course, to our fans that make
let us have the best job in the world.
Thank you so much. SAG, we’re going to party now.
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21st ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
21. Eddie Redmayne
Film The Theory of Everything
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you to the Screen Actors Guild. This has been such an
extraordinary year for performances, and to be included in this number, of Michael, Ben, Jake, Steve,
but beyond that, to Bradley Cooper, to David Oyelowo, to Bradley Coop Oh, I’ve said Bradley Cooper.
To, to, oh, Timothy Spall, what an extraordinary man. It’s a great privilege for me. These are all actors
I’ve long admired.
I would like to dedicate this award, this very wonderful skinny man, to those people around the world
living with ALS. To those who have lost their lives to this brutal disease… In preparing to play Stephen, I
met many people fighting ALS, and I met their families fighting alongside them. And the courage and
the bravery and the spirit, this triumph of spirit that I witnessed, blew my mind. That’s why I’m
incredibly grateful to them.
To Stephen and Jane, back in Cambridge, thank you for allowing someone who gave up science when
they were 14 years old, to enter your orbit. Thank you for entrusting this wonderful troupe of people
on Table 2, with your formidable story.
And thank you for reminding me of the overwhelming power of the will to love, and the will to live
every second of your life as fully and as passionately as possible. Thank you.
21. Julianne Moore
Film Still Alice
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you so much, the Screen Actors Guild, for this. When I was on “As the World Turns”... Yeah! I
was so excited when they wrote two parts for me, you know, the classic twin sister role, the good and
the evil one. And I couldn’t wait to do it, and I was so excited. Then I realized it was super boring to act
by myself. And what I really loved, what I really craved, and what was most exciting for me, was being
with another actor and feeling that intimacy and that excitement and that thrill of getting to know
somebody in that way. And that’s what keeps me coming back to acting again and again and again.
And I want to thank my partners in this movie, the adorable Hunter Parrish, the exquisite Kate
Bosworth, the magnificent Alec Baldwin, the compassionate and sensitive Kristen Stewart. I wish that
they were here with me tonight, I really, really do. And I want to thank them for letting me get to know
them a little bit. And I also want to thank my professional partners, the people who have supported
every weird choice I’ve ever made. Yeah, Josh Lieberman, the Huvane brothers, the gorgeous Huvane
brothers, Kevin and Stephen. I heard just heard now the “H” is silent. And my...and the woman who
always returned my calls, and picked up most of the time, my long-time manager of 25 years, and
friend, Evelyn O’Neill. Thank you so much. When I...when I was 17, I decided I wanted to be an actor. It
didn’t seem possible because I’d never met a real actor. So, I want to say to all you kids in the drama
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club, you know, you guys are the real actors. Thank you so much for letting me be part of this
community. Thank you very much.
21. J.K. Simmons
Film Whiplash
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Thank you. This is really beautiful to be acknowledged in a room full of peers, by a union full of peers.
And, I feel like all of us actors are supporting actors, whether it’s Miles Teller, whos in every scene of
the movie think about it. Or myself, or Paul Reiser, or Melissa Benoist, Damon Gupton, who is in one
scene, Tarik Lowe, who has one line. Each of us is not only supporting the story, the movie, the play,
the whatever it is that we’re doing. Each of us is essential, completely crucial to the story. Because if
there’s one false moment, the train comes off the rails and our willing suspension of disbelief is gone
and we have to earn it back.
So, I would like to thank the 49 actors who appear onscreen in “Whiplash” for realizing Damien
Chazelle’s vision so beautifully. And I would like to thank… Yes, please.
I would like to thank my extraordinary wife, Michelle Schumacher. We met 24 years ago as actors
together on Broadway, and 16 years ago she became a full-time mother to our above-average children.
And after many, many years of doing that, she’s now stepped to the other side of the camera, writing
and directing and producing, which is awesome because it’s more jobs for me… Because I’m sleeping
with the director, so…
Thank you to the Screen Actors Guild, and thank you, Mom and Dad.
21. Patricia Arquette
Film Boyhood
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Oh, my God! I can’t tell you what this means to me. I’m a fourth generation actor. My family has been
committed to acting for over a century, through feast or famine. My father, Lewis Arquette, taught me
to approach work with compassion and gratitude, and taught me also how hard it is to make a living as
an actor.
Rosanna, Richmand, Alexis, David, you were my first scene partners and my most powerful coaches. To
all my acting teachers and coaches. I’d like to acknowledge my fellow nominees for their beautiful and
solid work. Our cast and crew, Ethan Hawke,for your fierce commitment; Ellar Coltrane for your purity;
Lorelei Linklater for your strength and your vulnerability. Richard Linklater,for showing me the beauty
of this human experience, and how we all matter.
Thanks to IFC, Josh Sapan, Jonathan Sehring, John Sloss, Cathleen Sutherland, David DiCamillo, Molly
Madden, Eric White. To my kids Enzo and Harlow, you are both perfect, the perfect kids for me. To my
mother, Olivia, you are my hummingbird, you’re always with me. Thank you.
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21. Film Birdman
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
EDWARD NORTON: As Dorothy Parker said, “Age before beauty,” so ladies and gentlemen, Michael
Keaton.
MICHAEL KEATON: Thank you. This is very, very exciting. It’s the ultimate team sport what we do for a
living. These guys are unbelievable. Every time I turned around I ran into another tremendous actor.
But, to look at all the great actors out there, and people who have laid themselves on the line and put
it all out there, this is for... Alejandro and all of you, and the producers. And these guys are
tremendous. And I’m proud to be a part of this group.
NAOMI WATTS: (tripping) Oh! My God! Wow! Okay, I’m
KEATON: Except for Naomi.
WATTS: Thank you to Fox Searchlight, and the Screen Actors Guild. This was a wonderful experience,
so collaborative. And Alejandro, you’re a genius. And John Lesher and... come on. You guys...
ZACH GALIFIANAKIS: When I was on “As the World Turns”...
AMY RYAN: There’s no way to follow that. Just thank you so much. Thank you.
EMMA STONE: This really is absolutely amazing, and it’s so incredible to look out and see so many
wonderful actors. And...[someone in audience yells, “I love you!”] I love you, too. This was such an
honor and this movie was such an incredible experience. Thank you. We’re so grateful.
EDWARD NORTON: It’s...it’s fun to be an actor, but as everybody in this room knows, it’s a true
privilege to be a working actor. And in a Guild... And it’s a triple privilege if you ever get to work on
something that you love as much as a piece of material like this. And we owe that thanks to Regency
and Fox Searchlight for having the courage to risk their money making this movie. Thanks very much.
ANDREA RISEBOROUGH: I thought I’d got away with maybe a hug. I just want to say, it’s a privilege and
a pleasure to be an actor. And I think my favorite thing about acting is being with other actors. And it’s
amazing that people allow us to do it. Thank you to all of the people who allow us to do it. Thank you.
21. Frances McDormand
Television Olive Kitteridge
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Okay, okay now. I love what I do. Thank you for inviting myself and Mr. Richard Jenkins to the party.
We love what we do, we’re proud of it, and we love “Olive Kitteridge.” I wish… … this is really swell and
everything, but I wish that we could all get some really cozy slippers, a box of See’s nuts and chews,
hang out and watch more of our work. Because every little snippet that I see, I just want to see more
and more.
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This is a celebration, right? We’re celebrating. We’re also it’s a proclamation. I’m proclaiming if you
haven’t seen “Olive Kitteridge,” you need to. You can stream it, I don’t know how. You can watch it on
an intercontinental flight I’ve been told. You can get the DVDs on February 9th, give it to someone as a
Valentine’s Day present. And I’m doing a show down at the Redcat with the Wooster Group called
“Early Shaker Spirituals.” Come see. Thank you.
21. Mark Ruffalo
Television The Normal Heart
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
[was not in attendance]
21. Viola Davis
Television How to Get Away with Murder
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
All right, when I tell my daughter stories at night, inevitably a few things happen. Number one, I use my
imagination. I always start with life and then I build from there. And then the other thing that happens
is she always says, “Mommy, can you put me in the story?”
And you know, it starts from the top up. So, I’d like to thank Paul Lee, Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Bill
D’Elia, and Peter Nowalk, for thinking that a sexualized, messy, mysterious woman could be a 49-year-
old dark-skinned, African-American woman that looks like me.
Thank you to the Screen Actors Guild. Thank you to Estelle and Lisa Costello, and Michael Adler, CAA,
for having my back. And thank you to all the people who love me exactly how God made me. And
that’s my beautiful husband, Julius, my four-year-old daughter at home, Genesis, and my mother, May
Alice Davis. Thank you so much.
21. Kevin Spacey
Television House of Cards
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
[was not in attendance]
21. Uzo Aduba
Television Orange Is the New Black
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Oh, my God! I really truly do not know what I want to say. I just I want to say thank you so much to
the Screen Actors Guild for this incredible honor. I want to thank Jenji Kohan for writing a show like
this and putting something like this on television, not just for myself, but for our incredible team of
actors, to be seen in such a beautiful way.
I want to thank Netflix and Lionsgate oh my gosh specifically Ted Sarandos, Cindy Holland, Nina,
Lisa, Trim, Neri, Kevin, Sandra. I want to say a huge massive thank to our cast, without whom… without
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whom this is not possible. I love you guys so desperately, so much. This is not done without you, at all,
any step of the way.
I want to thank my friends. I want to thank my family, and finally, I just really, really, really truly want
to say that the day I got this job was the day I had stopped acting. And to be in a room with all of you
amazing human beings, amazing talents… for what I respect and love so much, is really truly the
greatest honor. Thank you so very much. God bless you all.
21. William H. Macy
Television Shameless
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
I have written so many great acceptance speeches that I never got to give. But, not tonight. Okay… to
my fellow nominees… nah, forget it, you lost.
John Wells, you were so good at so many things, it’s become annoying. Thank you, Showtime, youre
bodacious, keep on keeping on. To this cast I don’t know why you’re all not nominated, maybe next
year. To the crew, Kevin McKnight and his merry band, they shoot nine pages a day and don’t blink. It’s
like watching a middle aged ballet.
And our writers, you need therapy, but you’re very funny. If you’ll indulge me for a second…Georgia,
Sophia, look what your dad did. And finally, Flicka, I love going to bed with you, too. Thank you, I’m
proud to be an actor.
21. Television Downton Abbey
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
PHYLLIS LOGAN: Thank you so much. To Screen Actors Guild, SAG/AFTRA, for this, the best bad boy-
slash-bad girl award ever. Thank you. And in the spirit of ensemble…
LAURA CARMICHAEL: Oh, thank you. I just wanted to say, on behalf of all of us, a big thank you to the
woman who put this ensemble cast together, our amazing casting director, Jill Trevellick. You changed
our lives, thank you so, so much. Thank you to our crew.
ALLEN LEECH: I want to thank the “Downton Abbey” cast for letting me to come up with them, because
I’m actually sitting on a different table. So, thank you.
SOPHIE McSHERA: Yeah, he didn’t choose to sit with us. And we want to thank our amazing crew,
they’re incredible - so those, too.
21. Television Orange Is the New Black
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
UZO ADUBA: Thank you so much. Thank you so much to the Screen Actors Guild. Thank you so much.
We want to say a big massive, massive thank you to Jenji Kohan, without whom this is not at all
possible. We want to say a massive thank you also to Netflix, Lionsgate, to the family there. We want
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to thank you everyone who’s tuned into our show, who have watched our show and supported it in
such a brilliant way. We are incredibly grateful for this tremendous honor.
Thank you very, very much.
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22nd ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
22. Leonardo DiCaprio
Film The Revenant
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
I I am truly humbled by this because it comes from all of you, my fellow actors. Thank you from the
bottom of my heart.
When I was 15 years old, I was lucky enough to get a film called This Boy's Life. And for about a year
after that, I watched as many films as I possibly could, films from Jimmy Cagney all the way to Robert
De Niro, and it gave me such a tremendous respect for this craft, the craft of acting. I was in all their
performances, and I was incredibly inspired.
So for any young actors out there, I encourage you to watch the history of cinema. Because as the
history of cinema unfolds, you realize that we all stand on the shoulders of giants.
So I want to thank all of those actors from the past that have inspired me and all the actors that are in
this room.
This means so much to me. Thank you so very much.
This film would not have been possible without the craft of our director Alejandro Iñárritu. Alejandro,
thank you for your fierce authenticity, your creative genius, a genius that you share with our
cinematographer Chivo, our entire crew, the entire cast that I got to work alongside, Domhnall
Gleeson, Will Poulter, Forrest Goodluck, Arthur RedCloud, Duane Howard and, of course, the great
Tom Hardy.
I want to thank my entire team, especially Rick Yorn. This film would not have happened without you.
Everyone at Fox and New Regency, especially Arnon Milchan. He stuck with us to the bitter end.
And my parents. Thank you for listening to an overly ambitious, slightly annoying, 13 year old kid, who
wanted to go on auditions everyday after school. I would not be standing here without you.
Thank you.
22. Brie Larson
Film Room
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you. Huh. This is so incredible.
I feel like I was born questioning everything about reality, feeling lost and alone and always worried
that I was deeply unlovable. And watching your movies, to all of my SAG members, helped, made me
feel less alone and made me feel like that was a safe place for me to explore my creativity. So, thank
you.
I need to thank the cast of my film. Jacob Tremblay, my inspiration. Everything that is this movie is
because of you. Joan Allen, William H. Macy, Sean Bridgers, Tom McCamus, and anyone else, all of the
rest of our crew. Lenny, thank you so much for this opportunity. Emma, thank you for writing such an
incredible story for us to play out.
Thank you, Anne, my manager; Chris, my agent; Lindsey, my publicist; my wonderful boyfriend, Alex, I
love so much.
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Gosh. I'm going to write more thank you cards.
Thank you. Bye.
22. Idris Elba
Film Beasts of No Nation
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Oh, man. Thank you so much. I remember getting my SAG card from "Law and Order." That was
20 years ago. So thanks for that, man. Listen, Cary Fukanaga, you are a "G" for making this movie. You
toted this script around for 7 years, and I'm thankful to take this award on your behalf. Ted something
from Netflix whatever your name is well done for your belief, Bro. Red Crown; the team; Riva; Daniela;
Amy, you are amazing. The Ghanaian cast and crew were incredible. They worked so hard, and I'm
really proud. Listen, you know, my my team Roger Scharts, Rich Fields, Sam Branjel (names spelled
phonetically), you guys worked really hard for me, and I love you so much. I'm forgetting some people.
But I want to tell you, man, we made a film about real people and real lives, you know; and to be, you
know, awarded for it is very special, because a lot of people were damaged for that. So thank you for
giving this film some light, man. Respect. Love.
22. Alicia Vikander
Film The Danish Girl
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Oh, my. Thank you. Thank you, SAGAFTRA for this, and then thank you to to my fellow actors, to my
friends, to my peers, to well, this is honestly, this is the highest honor I think just to be invited to join
this stage because of you. Thank you. You know, I I was I was remembering when I when I grew up. My
my mum's an actress, so I used to go and watch her on stage at the theatre, and I I loved to watch her
rehearse. I loved to watch her perform; but already when I was a young girl, I was always, I think, the
most captivated by what I saw. I saw a sudden thrill. I saw a an excitement of a collaboration and
exchange of camaraderie between actors by fellow actors; and and I learned then, and I know still that
acting is not in above all. That magic only happens between acting companions.
And, Eddie, you're here tonight. I want to thank you, and Mattias, and everyone in this amazing cast
that I was on this journey with. And, also, the a performance is not made on me, by us. It's by everyone
who thoroughly talented and be the talented people behind the camera, the people who gave us, the
words, the directions, the makeup, the costume, hair, because all of this which together was what was
able to create a character and a story that not alone we actors can tell. So thank you to an amazing
crew and to everyone who was passionately and multi focused, too. Too oh, I can't remember.
Working title.
And then to everyone in world involved that helped me from the transgender community, and their
friends, and loved ones, I couldn't have done those role and done it without you guys. So thank you so
much. And to my family, thank you.
22. Film Spotlight
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Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
MARK RUFFALO: No way. Okay. Okay, wow. I was not expecting that honestly. Whew.
Okay. I have to, first of all, thank Open Road. Thank Participant. Thank our producers. Thank Tom
McCarthy and Josh Singer, who who just who just took every single opportunity to tell the truth. They
didn't take any cheap way. It was always the truth, and honored these people, these victims, who are
dead, and the survivors, who are still alive of one of the most horrific things that our culture has
allowed to happen. And and this movie allows them to be seen in a world, in a world that has been
blind to them.
And so, it is such an honor to be standing in front of you on behalf of them and this amazing cast.
And I want to pass this to Michael, who I love, because he should be talking tonight as well.
MICHAEL KEATON: Thanks. Thanks. This is for how great these guys are, but for me, personally, I think I
speak for everyone. Honestly, this is not only for the survivors of this horrific situation, but for me,
personally. And I'm only speaking for me, this is really for the disenfranchised everywhere. This is for
every Flint, Michigan in the world. This is for the powerless. This is for the powerful, who take
advantage of the powerless. And you can hang me for that. I don't really care. That's who I am proud to
be part of this. And thank you very much.
It comes down to two things: There's fair and there's unfair. And I'm always going to vote for the fair.
I'm always going to vote for the good guys.
Thanks for this. This means a lot.
22. Queen Latifah
Television Bessie
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Sorry. Thank you. Yeah. So, thanks everybody. Oh, my God, I'm in shock right now. Thank you so much.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you, my compadres, my brothers and
sisters in the struggle. Respect to everyone in this category. Respect to everyone who voted for me.
Thank you, because anyone could have won it; and many others have. Wow. Thank you, Shakim, my
partner at "Flave Unit." Thank you HBO for giving us a shot to make this happen after 22 years. Thank
you, Dick and Lili Zanuck, for finding something in me 22 years ago and giving me a shot to make to
play this part of Bessie Smith. I am in shock right now. I shouldn't be, but I I am. I'm really just very
grateful. Thank you to my wonderful cast mates. I couldn't have done a movie without you; Richard
Lions, my consulting, acting consultant. Thank you mom and dad for believing in me and telling me I
could achieve anything if I just believed in myself. And I hope that anyone out there who does not
come in the package that people say you should, keep fighting for it. Flip those rocks over. Keep
pushing. Keep turning. You can do it. You build your own boxes, not people. So knock that thing away
and do you. Thank you.
22. Idris Elba
Television Luther
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Thank you, Bro. Wow, I don't know what to say, man. I really don't. Thank you so much everyone that's
in this room for giving me that. Luther, a little train that was Luther. I got a shout out to Neill Cross,
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who is an incredible writer; and his imagination... He writes this show, which is the darkest show on TV,
from a lovely, little window in New Zealand. I'm not sure where he gets it from. Sam Miller, who is an
amazing director, who has brought Luther to life. Thank you, John, our DP, amazing. And thank you the
amazing cast that work with us. I want to thank you, too. I really don't know what to say tonight, man.
Like, two wins in one night, that's I want to shout out to my beautiful children, Isan and Winston. When
Dad goes away, I think about you all the time. I love you so much. And Mum, I love you more. Bye.
22. Viola Davis
Television How to Get Away with Murder
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you, SAG-AFTRA, for this award. You know, there's a famous saying that: "I am I am not who you
think I am. You are who you think I am." And, uhm, I think about that because people always saying,
wow, you know, Annalise is an antihero, and don't you worry she she's not likable? And don't you
worry that she's not a mentor? And I always think, Why do I have to be a hero? Why do you have to
like me? And why do I have to be a mentor? My job, as an actor, is just to create a human being to the
best of my ability; flawed, messy, maybe not always likable, maybe not cute. It is my job, and I do it to
the best of my ability, and I get so much joy out of being an actor. I thank all my fellow actors on How
to Get Away with Murder. It is such a fabulous, young cast. It has been the joy, pleasure of my life.
22. Kevin Spacey
Television House of Cards
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I would first like to thank our creator, no not that one. The one grounded here on
earth. Beau Willimon, you have been an extraordinary collaborator, a remarkable challenge. I've loved
every second that we have tussled and fought and argued these four seasons, and we will do our best
to honor what you have started with House of Cards. We wish you the very, very best. I wanted to say I
have to thank obviously this cast that is here an extraordinary group of actors I have the joy to come
and work with every single day; to our partners at Netflix. And and I have to say my manager is sitting
out here. Well, she's in a new position tonight. She's now my senior advisor. But 28 years, Joanne
Horowitz, you have been fighting for me, thank you, thank you, thank you. Ted Lowenstein is now my
new manager. Dana Brunetti, my producing partner. I just want to wrap up by saying I just want to talk
a little bit about the theory of relativity. Yeah. Because, apparently, they say that if you are in an
elevator, you don't know whether you are going up or going down. But right now, it feels like I'm going
up. Thank you very much.
22. Uzo Aduba
Television Orange Is the New Black
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Oh, man. Oh, my gosh. All right. Thank you. I would like to say thank you very much to the Screen
Actors Guild SAGAFTRA for this incredible, incredible honor. It's really, really truly touching. I would like
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to say thank you to Jenji Kohan, our show creator, for creating a show like this and putting it on
television and making a show that reflects and represents so many people. I would like to say thank
you to our family at Netflix; for Ted, to Ted Sarandos for his bravery; Cindy Holland for fighting for us;
Mena; Peter; the family at Lionsgate, all of you for the bravery you have shown to our show. I would
like to saw thank you to our cast, our phenomenal cast who is unbelievable. Every single one of you, I
not only love you, but I respect all of you for your art, your art making, and your passion. I want to say
thank you to my friends and my family, and then I just would like to say thank you to my team. And I
would like to just take an opportunity to acknowledge the actors who are at home, not here in this
room with us, but hoping to one day be in this room with us to continue to keep trying, to keep
plugging, to keep working. No matter if anybody tells you to get out of that line that you are waiting in,
stay in line. You have the chance. It is yours. Thank you so much. God bless you all.
22. Jeffrey Tambor
Television Transparent
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
69 years ago. I'm, I’m so honored. This is really heavy. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This is the
group of my brothers and sisters: The group that understands, “Yes. Yes. Yes. No. No. No. No. Yes. Yes.
Taller. Taller. No. No. Older. Younger. No. No. Yes. Yes. Anybody but him.”
I want to thank Jill Soloway for changing my life. Thank you, Jill, for the responsibility of Maura
Pfefferman. Thank you to that amazing cast. Those two tables right there, the most amazing cast I've
ever except for Jason worked with. Thank you to Amazon for their guts, and their support. And thank
you to my wife, Kasia. I wouldn't be standing up here were it not for you. And I, I play Maura
Pfefferman. She's very entitled, and she has a lot of money. And I would just like to dedicate this award
to the non-Maura Pfefferman's who don't have a lot of cash for their operations, for their medicine, for
their freedom. Thank you very much.
22. Television Downton Abbey
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Xxxxx?: Hello, hello, lovely room of fellow actors. Can I just say, before we even address this thing, this
issue, that we've been coming here for 6 years, and we have encountered only the most amazing
kindness and generosity from American actors. Thank you. So to be nominated in this category is mind-
blowing for us. You know, we are a British show. What the heck are we doing here? And we are
we're up against your TV royalty. So thank you for that. That is a deep, deep honor to win this. Just
phenomenal. Thank you. Everyone in this room those that acting is a collaboration and, you know, this
cast is the best it could possibly imagine, but, you know, we have all those other people around us who
are they make us look good, you know. The extended Downton family, all top of their game, brilliant
people committed to the show. We have to share this with them. They were stunning. Julian Fellowes,
who wrote every single word of this. What an amazing writer. And as, again, we all know, if we don't
have a good script, we are screwed, aren't we? So, thank you, Julian. Thank you to Gareth Neame and
Liz Trubridge at Carnival. Rebecca and Suzanne at Masterpiece Theatre. I'm going to do a little shout
out, extra shout out to two of our big, burly crew, Duncan and Bobby, who, on the last day of filming,
we did our last scene, they were found in the corner sobbing. I know. And when does that happen? So
we love you. Thank you so much for this, from the bottom of our hearts, SAG-AFTRA, everybody who
voted for us, all of you. Thank you so, so much.
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22. Television Friends
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
LAURA PREPON: Thank you guys. Thank you so much.
DALE SOULES: Wow.
LAURA PREPON: Oh, my god. My heart is beating so fast. This is such an honor. Thank you so much to
our peers at SAGAFTRA for this is an incredible honor. I mean, look at this stage. I mean, this is what
we talk about when we talk about diversity: You know, different race, color, creed, and sexual
orientation. I mean, thank you so much. This wouldn't be possible without our fearless leader Jenji
Kohan. Thank you for never shying away from telling these incredible stories. Our family at Netflix: Ted
Sarandos, Cindy Holland; Lionsgate; Sandra Stern; Kevin Beggs, Chris Selak, thank you so much. To
Piper Kerman, this would not be possible without her memoir. Thank you, Piper. And our fans: Thank
you so much. We wouldn't be here without you. We thank you. Thank you so much.
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23rd ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
23. Denzel Washington
Film Fences
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. I you know, I'm a God-fearing
man. I'm supposed to have faith, but I didn't have faith. This God bless you all, all the other actors. I
said, well, you know that young boy's gonna win, Denzel. You ain't gonna win. I didn't even prepare,
but I am prepared.
Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Eugene O'Neal, Edward Albee, August Wilson. First, I thank
Paramount, Brad, Mark Evans, Alanna, Todd, decent partners. Who else? Scott Rudin, Scott, who
who brought me the screenplay seven years ago. Charles King, who believes in us, and we in him. And
congratulations to him. I heard he just made another big deal.
Who am I leaving out? I know I'm leaving folks out. The whole cast. The and and the team at
Paramount, Megan and Brian, thank you for your support and your help.
SAG, listen. We're just actors. You know, I'm famous and all that kind of stuff, but I have the same fear
opening night, first preview, that anybody else has. We all have the same job. And this is not a
testament to me, but it's a testament, obviously, to August Wilson. But God dog it, Steven Henderson,
Myk- I'm getting choked up. Mykelti, Seniyya, Jovan. You know, the guys that don't get recognized.
So fellows, Seniyya, here we are.
Oh, one last thing. Two. Viola Davis.
23. Emma Stone
Film La La Land
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Okay. Thank you so much for this. Wow. To be an actor playing an actor and receiving an actor by a
guild of actors, it's pretty exceptional. Thank you. Oh, it's counting me down. Okay. I forgot everything
that I ever have thought in my life. Okay. So thank you. I'm just thank you so much to Damien
Chazelle for this opportunity and for creating such a collaborative and beautiful atmosphere on set. We
felt so heard by you, and that's unbelievable. Ryan, you are the best. That's just the truth. No one can
argue it. The women in this category, really quickly, Meryl and Natalie and Amy and Emily, you guys
inspire me beyond I mean, you are just you are the greatest and your talent and your intelligence
are mind blowing. And, uhm... please wrap up. Okay. I was just going to say that I feel insecure a lot of
the time. Genuinely. And you know, like, feeling like I could deserve anything like this requires a little
bit of mental gymnastics for me. But then I was thinking about the films and the art and the shows that
I've seen this year, many of which were by the people in this room. And... I don't know, to get to be a
part, even a tiny, tiny part of a group of people that cares about reflecting society and bringing people
joy and making them laugh and and giving people hope maybe or or God, I know I have to wrap
up. I feel like I'm going to faint. Just, we're in a really tricky time in the world in our country and things
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are very inexcusable and scary and need action. And I'm so grateful to be part of a group of people that
cares and that wants to reflect things back to society. So thank you. I said that twice, I'm sorry. Thank
you. Good God.
23. Mahershala Ali
Film Moonlight
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Barry.
I I think what I've learned from working on Moonlight is we see what happens when we're
persecuted. They fold into themselves. And what I was so grateful about in having the opportunity to
play Juan was playing a gentleman who saw a young man folding into himself as a result of the
persecution of his community, and taking that opportunity to uplift him and tell him that he mattered,
that he was okay, and accept him. And I hope that we do a better job.
You know, when we kind of get caught up in the minutia, the details that make us all different. I think
there's two ways of seeing that. There's an opportunity to see the texture of that person, the
characteristics that make them unique. And then there's an opportunity to going a war to go to war
about it, to say that that person is different from me. I don't like you, so let's battle.
My mother is an ordained minister. I'm a Muslim. She didn't do backflips when I called her to tell her I
converted 17 years ago. But I tell you now, we put things to the side, and I was able to I'm able to
see her. She's able to see me. We love each other. The love has grown, and that stuff is minutia. It's not
that important.
So I want to I want to thank Tarell Alvin McCraney for his courage. I want to thank Barry Jenkins. Just
just for your insight your brilliance and your direction and just the collaboration, that opportunity. I
will always hold that close to me. I want to thank the my fellow castmates who any one of those
young men could be up here holding this. I tell you. It's beautiful work.
So Plan B, A24, thank you. Peace and blessings be upon you.
23. Viola Davis
Film Fences
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Thank you SAG-AFTRA. You know, I could do a laundry list of all the people to thank, you know,
everyone involved in the film: Scott Rudin, Molly Allen, Todd Black, Ron Macro, Paramount, Denzel.
What can I say? A friend and a fan, what can I say? And Mykelti, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Russell
Hornsby, Jovan Adepo, Saniyya Sidney; my love of my life, my husband Julius, my daughter Genesis,
and August Wilson.
Uhm, you know they say that maybe all one can hope for is the right regret. And what August did so
beautifully is he honored the average man, who happened to be a man of color. And sometimes, we
don't have to shape the world and move the world and create anything that is going to be in a history
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back. The fact that we breathed and live a life and was a god to our children, just that means we have a
story and it deserves to be told.
We deserve to be in the cannon of any in the center of any narrative that's written out there. And
that's what August did. He elevated my father, my mother, my uncles, who had eighth and fifth grade
educations, and he just encapsulated him in history. So thank you, August. Thank you for thank you.
23. Film Hidden Figures
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
TARAIJI P. HENSON: Listen. Oh my God. Steady yourself, heart. Talk to me, God.
Listen. This film is about unity. We stand here as proud actors, thanking every member of this
incredible guild for voting for us and recognizing our hard work. But the shoulders of the women that
we stand on are three American heros; Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson.
Without them, we would not know how to reach the stars. These women did not complain about the
problems, their circumstances, you know, the issues. We know what was going on in that era. They
didn't complain. They focused on solutions. Therefore, these brave women helped put men into space.
We cannot forget the brave men that also worked with us. God rest his soul in peace, John Glenn.
This story is of unity. This story is about what happens when we put our differences aside and we come
together as a human race. We win. Love wins every time.
Thank you so much for appreciating the work we have done. Thank you so much for appreciating these
women. They are hidden figures no more.
Thank you. Thank you.
23. Sarah Paulson
Television The People v . O. J. Simpson : American Crime Story
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
I have one of those geeks, who writes things down. This really means a lot to me because I feel like I
wanted to be an actress since I was in utero, and to have this happen for a role that meant so much to
me and acknowledged alongside so many extraordinary actresses that I revere is makes it very
special.
Every day on this set was kind of like being in a very fine acting school. Courtney B. Vance would come
up to each and every one of us in that courtroom and give us a little fist bump, a way of saying "I've got
you and I know you've got me."
And I want to share this with all you because I think it's very rare and special to have that kind of
alchemy with that many people.
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I want to thank Marcia Clark for existing. For your strength and your brilliance, your perseverance, you
made me look very good. And I would like to make a plea for everyone if they can, any money they
have to spare, please donate to the ACLU to protect the rights and liberties of people across this
country. It's a vital, vital organization that relies entirely on our support. So, please, if you can. Thank
you very much. Thank you.
23. Bryan Cranston
Television All the Way
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Thank you so much to all of our brothers and sisters in SAG-AFTRA for this award. I'm deeply honored.
Thank you also to HBO, to Amblin Entertainment, to Moon Shot, to UTA and Independent PR. My wife
Robin, our daughter. So many people.
I'm I need to thank Bill Corso, whose make-up made me look like L.B.J. To Robert Schenkkan, whose
brilliant script made me feel like L.B.J. And to Jay Roach, whose sublime direction made me behave like
him.
I'm often asked how would Lyndon Johnson think about Donald Trump. And I honestly feel that 36
would put his arm around 45 and earnestly wish him success. And he would also whisper in his ear
something he said often as a form of encouragement and a cautionary tale. "Just don't piss in the soup
that all of us gotta eat."
Thank you very much. Good night.
23. Claire Foy
Television The Crown
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you so much. I haven't recovered from John winning, so I'm really emotional and a bit shaky. Oh,
God. Thank you, everyone, whoever has made the show ever. But this is a night for actors. So I want to
talk about actors because I love them. And I'm very, very honored to be one I've got 44 seconds.
Okay. There's 250 over 250 actors in the show, all of whom are cast by Nina Gold and Robert Sterne,
who can I just say, like, really support and encourage and champion the actors that they cast. And we
all need a champion. So thank you very much. I just want to say a particular thanks to the family, two
of whom are standing up; Victoria Hamilton, Vanessa Kirby, John. Of course, all the people who are at
home who are shooting the show now, but also to Jared Harris and Will Keen and Jeremy Northam and
just all the cast. But one actor in particular I'm going really embarrass, Matt Smith, you are not only a
really spontaneous, exciting, incredibly talented actor, but you are also my friend, Matt, and thank you
for making this job a joy and for making me laugh. I love very much. Thank you so much. Thank you.
23. John Lithgow
Television The Crown
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
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Thank you so much. I I never would have cast myself as Winston Churchill. This was the bright idea
of Peter Morgan, Stephen Daldry, Mia Gold. They hooked me up with costumer I'm sorry. I'm our
wonderful costumer Clapton, Michelle Clapton. A great make-up artist, Ivana Primorac. A great dialect
coach, William Conacher, and put me into a magnificent cast of about 50 wonderful English actors that,
by our marvelous Claire Foy, sitting over there.
These are the people who have delivered me up to this podium. Not to mention Ted Sarandos and the
Netflix team. Andy Harries and the Left Bank team. Brian Swardstrom and Tony Lipp, my team. Always
and ever, my wife Mary.
Thank you so much SAG-AFTRA and the SAG awards, actors honoring actors. And in that spirit, I would
like to honor Sterling, Peter, Rami, and Kevin.
And also a great and underrated actress, who somehow managed to speak my exact thoughts three
weeks ago in another award ceremony, and that's Meryl Streep. Thank you so much.
23. Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Television Veep
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Thank you. Whether the Russians did or did not hack the voting of tonight's SAG Awards, I look out on
the million, or probably even a million and a half people in this room, and I say this award is legitimate
and I won. I'm the winner. The winner is me. Landslide. But on a less insane note, I'd like to say that I
am a very proud member of this union, and I'm thrilled to be here tonight, and I thank the Screen
Actors Guild. I want you all to know that I am the daughter of an immigrant. My father fled religious
persecution in Nazi-occupied France, and I'm an American patriot, and I love this country. And because
I love this country, I am horrified by its blemishes. And this immigrant ban is a blemish and it is Un-
American. So I say to you this: our sister guild the WGA made a statement today that I would like to
read because I'm in complete agreeance [sic] with it. “Our guilds are unions of story tellers who have
always welcomed those from the nations and of varying beliefs who wish to share their creativity with
America. We are grateful for them. We stand with them. And we will fight for them.” Thank you very
much.
23. William H. Macy
Television Shameless
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Well, I'm shocked. I'm probably not as shocked as Jeffrey, but I'm pretty shocked. I would like to go
against the stream this evening and thank President Trump for making Frank Gallagher seem so
normal. I love being an actor. I love being in this room with all of you. I love my wife. And if you ever
get a chance to work for Showtime, do it. If you ever get a chance to work with my cast, do it. If you
ever get a chance to work with John Wells, do it.
Thank you.
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23. Television Stranger Things
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
DAVID HARBOUR: Oh, my God. Wow. This is unreal. This is unreal. I'm supposed to start talking. I'm
sorry. I'm sick.
On behalf of this fearless and talented cast, we would like to thank oh, it's so heavy. We would like
to thank Netflix, Shawn, Matt, Ross, and the amazing casting director Carmen Cuba.
And I would just like to say that, in light of all that's going on in the world today, it's difficult to
celebrate the already celebrated "Stranger Things." But this award from you, who take your craft
seriously and earnestly believe, like me, that great acting can change the world, is a call to arms from
our fellow craftsmen and women to go deeper, and through our art to battle against fear, self-
centeredness and exclusivity of our predominately narcissistic culture, and through our craft to
cultivate a more empathetic and understanding society by revealing intimate truths that serve as a
forceful reminder to folks that, when they feel broken and afraid and tired, they are not alone. We are
united in that we are all human beings, and we are all together on this horrible, painful, joyous,
exciting, and mysterious ride that is being alive.
Now, as we act in the continuing narrative of "Stranger Things," we 1983 midwesterners will repel
bullies. We will shelter freaks and outcasts, those who have no home. We will get past the lies. We will
hunt monsters, and when we are at a loss amidst the hypocrisy and the casual violence of certain
individuals and institutions, we will, as per chief Jim Hopper, punch some people in the face when they
seek to destroy the weak and the disenfranchised and the American rights, and we will do it all with
soul with heart and with joy.
We thank you for this responsibility. Thank you.
23. Television Orange Is the New Black
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
TAYLOR SCHILLING: Thank you so much. We is everybody up? EVERYONE: We're all here. TAYLOR
SCHILLING: Okay. We would like to thank SAG and AFTRA and everyone at Netflix, Ted Sarandos, and
Cindy Holland and everybody at Lionsgate, and of course, the brilliant Jenji Kohan. We wouldn't be able
to do this without her and our crew. But mostly we'd like to say that we stand up here representing a
diverse group of people representing generations of families who have sought a better life here from
places like Nigeria, the Dominican Republic... JACKIE CRUZ: Puerto Rico. TAYLOR SCHILLING: Puerto
Rico, Columbia, Ireland, Brooklyn. Yes. And we okay. And we know that it's going to be up to us and
all of you probably, too, to keep telling stories that show what unites us is stronger than the forces that
seek to divide us. Thank you so much.
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24th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
24. Gary Oldman
Film Darkest Hour
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
I've I've become very emotional. Thank you SAG-AFTRA for this tremendous honor. I am honestly
and truly thrilled and overjoyed to be in this room tonight, not only with my amazing fellow nominees,
but my friends and peers.
There are giants of acting in this in this room tonight. Two of them share my table, Geoffrey Rush
and Richard Jenkins. Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and of course the extraordinary my my
old sparring partner, Denzel Washington.
They are they are telling me to to wrap up, and that very sad music seems to follow me
everywhere, so I will I would just say this: That Churchill reminds us we make a living by what we
get, but we make a life by what we give. And you have given you have given enormously tonight,
and I am so deeply, deeply honored and and and proud to receive this mag- magnificent
award. God God bless you all. Thank you.
24. Frances McDormand
Film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Okay. Golly. Gee whiz. Hi, all. I have a couple things to say. Representation. We we we those
tireless men and women, who represent us truly, our desires, our dreams, our individual strengths and
our ethical beliefs, to them we owe a great deal.
To mine: Frank, Brian, Simon, full credit, gentlemen. Full credit. And to serving the word. When Martin
wrote Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, he did not sketch a blueprint. He didn't string
together a few words. He wrote, meticulously crafted a tsunami, and then he allowed his troop of
actors to surf it into the shore. Thank you, Martin.
I also want to say, this is really great, and I thank you. I come out of the woods every few years, and
you let invite me to the party. But there's a lot of young ones coming up, and they need doorstops
too, let's think about that. Bye.
24. Sam Rockwell
Film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
Wow. I love Ozark. I love Ozark. Hey. Wow. Whoo. Oh, my gosh. I wanna thank every member of SAG-
AFTRA. This is awesome. To be alongside Willem DeFoe, Richard Jenkins, Steve Carell. And my brother
Woody Harrelson, I love you, Dude. Love you, man. This incredible ensemble. Martin McDonagh, our
fearless leader. I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for you. My beloved Leslie Bibb, who puts up
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with me. Rhonda, Jason, Elise Knickerbocker. My mom and dad were actors. They dragged me to
rehearsals at A.C.T. when I was a little baby, and I slowly realized that these people are nuts. Actors are
I love 'em. I love actors, and I love my mom and dad. I delivered burritos on a bicycle. I bussed tables
to get through acting school. If you're a struggling actor out there, hang in there. And Frances
McDormand, you're a powerhouse. I'm in awe of you, and I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you and
all the incredible women in this room to trying to make things better. It's long overdue. Thank you
very much.
24. Allison Janney
Film I, Tonya
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Thank you. Thank you to my fellow SAG and AFTRA members for this honor, truly. It is a great one. I am
incredibly lucky and emotional to be in this category of women who I love so so much. Laurie, Holly,
Mary J., Hong, your performances are extraordinary. Your performances over the years have inspired
me, continue to inspire all of these actors in this room and all of them watching at home. You are
brilliant. I have a tremendous support team around me behind the camera, and I am not going to thank
them right now because this is about the actors. So you all know who you are, and I love you. And I
would like to take this moment to thank my entire cast in I, Tonya, starting with Margot Robbie, who is
so fearless and brave and such a rock star. She she paved the way for all of us to make courageous
choices in these roles that we got to play. And thanks to Craig Gillespie for encouraging us to go further
and be brave in our choices. Yes, thank you. And Sebastian Stan and Julianne Nicholson and Paul
Walter Hauser and Mckenna Grace, and Caitlin Carver, the entire company, I'm created magic with
the script that my dear friend Steven Rogers wrote. Thank God for friendships. Thank you, Steven, for
writing this role for me. And that is all I'm going to to say except for good night and thank you very
much. Thank you. Cheers.
24. Film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
FRANCES McDORMAND: Okay. All right. Okay. Oh, we kids of Ebbing, Missouri would like to thank our
papas: Martin McDonagh; Graham Broadbent; Ben Davis, our cinematographer; and John Gregory, our
editor, who made us what we are. Our mamas: Momma Dixon, Sandy Martin, please; and our casting
director Sarah Finn, who helped birth the town of Ebbing, Missouri. And our godparents. Our
godparents: Fox Searchlight and Film4.
24. Nicole Kidman
Television Big Little Lies
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Oh, wow. Yikes. I'm crying. Means a lot to me. I've been working since I was 14 years old. Thank you
SAG-AFTRA for giving me this. I'm incredibly nervous because this is reality colliding with fantasy right
now. I was working until 1 a.m. which is a fantastic blessing last night. But I had the flu, and I'm
playing a pretty out-there role character right now, so I've had a little trouble shedding it. But I'm here.
And I'm incredibly grateful. To receive this at this stage in my life is extraordinary. And at this time in
the industry when these things are going on, and for this role. I would like to acknowledge the other
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actresses in this category. Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, my girlfriends first and foremost, but my
beyond-talented acting partners. I share this with you. And also, I wanted to say Susan Sarandon and
and Jessica Lange, I revere you. I've watched you, and I've learned from you. And there's others. Meryl
Streep, Jane Fonda, Judy Davis, Isabelle Huppert, Shirley MacLaine, Judy Dench. The list is so long, and I
would love to say so many more names, but I can't right now. But I want to thank you all for your
trailblazing performances you've given over your career, and how wonderful it is that our careers today
can go beyond 40 years old. Because 20 years ago, we were pretty washed-up by this stage in our lives.
So that's not the case now. We've proven, and these actresses and so many more are proving that we
are potent and powerful and viable. I just beg that the industry stays behind us, because our stories are
finally being told. It's only the beginning. And I'm so proud to be a part of a community that that is
instigating this change. But I implore the writers, directors, studios and fanciers to put passion and
money behind our stories. We have proven that we can do this. We can continue to do this, but only
with the support of this industry and that money and passion. So also, I do have trailblazers in my life.
Susan Batson, you give me so much. Kevin, Peter, Chris, Leslie, Michelle, Katie, Miranda, Lizzy, Wendy,
Allen, I love you. And to my family: I am nothing without you. What a blessing, and thank you to all the
actors that gave me the chance to say this.
24. Alexander Skarsgård
Television Big Little Lies
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Yeah, that makes sense. A lot of people have been talking about who the the greatest male actor
ever is. Is it Mr. Robert De Niro? Or the tall dude from True Blood? The thespians have spoken. Thank
you very much for that. No, seriously, to SAG-AFTRA, I am shocked, I'm humbled. Thank you very much
for this. I'm incredibly embarrassed and infinitely grateful. Thank you. Thank you so much for this.
24. Claire Foy
Television The Crown
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
[was not in attendance]
24. Sterling K. Brown
Television This Is Us
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
All right. Clock's a-tickin'. I get kind of p- testy when I see ticking clocks so. What a blessing it is to do
what you love for a living. What an honor it is to be recognized by your peers for a job well done. This
room is a source of endless inspiration for me. I love all of y'all. People call us weird and strange. The
truth of the matter is, everybody's weird and strange, and we just embrace ourselves for who we are. I
love actors so much I decided to marry one, Ryan Michelle Bathe. You're the best scene partner a
brotha's ever had. To my glorious cast of This is Us: I you guys feed me day in, day out. You raise the
bar. To my white family, which thankfully is nothing like the family from Get Out: I love you. To my TV
wife Susan Kelechi Watson: Let's keep on repping for the people. To the two other young actors that
play Randall, to Loni and Niles: Thank you for making the work so easy and so seamless. To all those
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people out there still hustling, trying to trying to make it: The fame won't sustain you. The money
won't sustain you. The love, keep that love alive. It'll keep you going.
24. Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Television Veep
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
[was not in attendance]
24. William H. Macy
Television Shameless
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Thank you, all. Thank you, my fellow actors. That was not planned. Anthony and Aziz and Larry and
Sean and Marc, good to see you again. I like our category best. A couple years ago, I was privy to a
conversation where my friend David Mamet, who was really my mentor and taught me everything I
know, was talking to a journalist. And the journalist said actors have a weird job. We just tell lies for a
living. And David Mamet said, "No, no. An actor's job is to tell the truth." And after a confused
conversation, the journalist finally said, "Well, I think we are saying the same thing." But they weren't.
And even though our lines and the stories we're told are given to us by writers, it's our job under those
imaginary circumstances to find the truth. And I think it's a glorious way to make a living especially in
this day and age when so many people either can't recognize the truth or don't think it's important.
And to my fellow nominees, you are very good at doing that. And, uhm, if you will ERIKA A. SJOQUIST,
RPR, CRR, CSR #12350 indulge me, Felicity Huffman, I love you so much. And Sophia and Georgia, I'm
proud to be your dad. Thank you, folks. Thank you, my fellow actors.
24. Television This Is Us
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
MILO VENTIMIGLIA: We would like to thank the SAG-AFTRA members, voters, and 20th Century Fox
Studios and NBC.
We are just a small collection of a lot of very talented, very hardworking people that work on this
show. Dan Fogelman, our creator. Without Dan and our talented writers, we would not have words to
say, and we actors, we know how important those words are. John Requa, Glenn Ficarra, Ken Olin,
Yasu Tanida, our DP, our entire crew, our hair and makeup, our camera, our wardrobe, sound, our
genie, our post- and pre-productions, our transpo, our ADs and PAs, the people that kind of run us to
and from sets, our casting directors. Our casting directors start at the studio and the network. I'm
going to say Sharon Klein and Grace Wu. Tiffany Little Canfield and Josh Einsohn and Bernie Telsey, you
give us, first, a job; and second, wonderful players to work with week in and week out. Thank you.
And there's one more thing, the people that watch with us every Tuesday night, uhm, and embrace
this show that reflects positivity and hope, inclusion, we love you. Thank you very much.
24. Television Veep
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Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
MATT WALSH: Well, we have a large cast, so I was hand chosen because I play a spokesperson, and I'm
very well-spoken on the show and in real life. And so I was selected because I was really good at large
events and large audiences. Uh... uh... Oh, sorry. I'd like to thank HBO. Who is not here. Sorry. I'd like
I'd like to thank Julia, of course. Julia our leader, who also, unfortunately, is not here. Sorry about
that.
What? I'd like to thank Dave Mandel, who also is not here. Oh, Julia's in New York doing a play. Sorry.
That's why she's not here. Oh, Anna. Anna Chlumsky is in New York doing a play. That's why she's not
here.
TIMOTHY SIMONS: They already know that! You're blowing this. Come on.
MATT WALSH: Sorry. All right. In all sincerity, a room full of such tremendous talent and hard-working
union members. Unions are so important.
TIMOTHY SIMONS: Actors. Called actors.
MATT WALSH: Sorry. Sorry. Actors. We do sincerely love that you gave us this wonderful Grammy so
thank you.
TIMOTHY SIMONS: No, come on, it's SAG.
MATT WALSH: SAG award. Sorry. Thank you very much. Thank you.
25th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
25. Tony Shalhoub
Television The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Okay, uh, I have nothing prepared - for obvious reasons, look at this category. I just want to start by
saying that the greatest honor of my life is to be nominated in the same category with Alan Arkin. Who
has long been an idol of mine and um, I am happy to…uh.. say a friend, but I think he was the reason I
wanted to become an actor in the first place.
So, that said I want to thank everyone at Amazon, Jen Salke, everybody, especially James Sterling in
legal affairs and not just because I am in the middle of a renegotiation. Thank you, thank you to my
incredible cast and crew and my beautiful wife Brooke, all of you I thank you.
25. Rachel Brosnahan
Television The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
Hi, thanks. I have wanted to be an actor for as long as I can remember and to be able to count you all in
this room as my peers, let alone to stand up on this stage is beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you so
much.
I have a habit of getting very very flustered up here and forgetting to thank a lot of vitally important
people to my team, so I want to take a quick second before that happens to thank my publicist Annick
Muller who is incredible. My lawyers Ira Schreck and Isaac Dunham, my coach Ted Sluberski, the rest of
my team without whom I would not be standing up here. There are so many incredible actors involved
with The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in addition to our production team, to our family at Amazon, to our
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crew. But this ensemble led by Tony Shalhoub, Alex Borstein, Marin Hinkle, and Michael Zegen as well
as our guest actors and our too often unsung background actors who work the same hours with us and
share this union with us many of them. I couldn’t be luckier to be a part of this amazing group of artists
and we wouldn’t be here without our casting directors, Donna Rosenstein, Cindy Tolan, Meredith
Tucker, Genie Bacherach thank you for bringing us all together and thank you for taking a chance on
us. Thank you so much. Thanks.
25. Television The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
TONY SHALHOUB: It’s a large group so bear with us my god it’s been so long I have so much to tell
you. You cannot imagine the incredibly wonderful feeling it is to work alongside these people. This is
a love fest, we are so grateful to Amy and Dan Palladino, our wonderful writers, our directors, our
brilliant camera operators and crew. Again, everyone at Amazon we cannot thank you enough. Stay
with us.
25. Emily Blunt
Film A Quiet Place
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Oh, my goodness me. Guys… that truly has completely blown my slicked hair back. Thank you so so so
much. I am so moved and completely loss for words and unprepared, I am gonna share this completely
with my husband John Krasinski who because the entire experience of doing this with you has
completely pierced my heart directly, you are a stunning filmmaker. I am so lucky to be with you and to
have done this film with you. Thank you for giving me the part, you would have been in major trouble if
you hadn’t, so, you didn’t really have an option but thank you. And thank you to the two little poems in
our life, our daughters Hazel and Violet, who will have to be at least 45 before they can see this film
but they’ll be proud of you nonetheless. Thank you to my whole team, 10 seconds - Chris Andrews,
David Webber, Scott Womack, Bebe Lerner, Molly Kawachi, Roger Charteris that’s it, I think that’s it.
Thank you SAG I am so honored; I appreciate it so much. Thank you.
25. Mahershala Ali
Film Green Book
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
SAG thank you for this. Timothee, Adam, Richard, Sam thank you for your work. The more I am
fortunate and blessed to get to do this work the more I realize how much I need you, all of you in this
room, to draw inspiration from and get my cues as to how to go deeper. I’m just really grateful to be
amongst this fraternity of people, amongst this fraternity of artists who have the good fortune of
getting to deal and wrestle with the human condition and trying to do that responsibly so, thank you so
much. Viggo, it’s just been an honor going on this journey with you, such a beautiful actor and an
amazing person. Thank you for making me better. To my wife, Amatus, my daughter Bari, thank you.
Peter Farrelly, sincerely appreciate the opportunity. Thank you.
25. Darren Criss
Television The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
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Wow, thank you so much everybody. Fellow nominees boys, we got nominated with Anthony
Hopkins, Sir Anthony Hopkins so that’s a feather in my cap I would have never imagined so, it’s an
honor to be in your company as always. I find it appropriate that this statuette is sort of choosing
between which mask to use and, the character that I played Andrew Cunanan unfortunately used
masks to destroy things and so as an actor my goal was to hopefully create something positive, to use
masks to create a positive change. So, for any of the families and friends of those that are still affected
by the destruction that he wrought, I hope that they know our goal was not to make a spectacle of
their tragedy but to create a positive dialogue about social issues and bring to justice things that were
in the shadows.
I am so honored to be a part of this union and if there was a category, I hope there will be in the
future, if there was a category for ensemble in a miniseries I know they would certainly be here, so I
share this with all those talented men and women day players, guest stars, you know who you are.
You lifted me up, on and off screen, and you made this an experience that I will cherish forever. This is
a high that will last a lifetime, it is such an honor to be acknowledged by all of you. So, whether you
voted here, or at home over there, thank you so very much. If you are an actor, whether you are
starting out, breaking through, or holding on I wish you all the best, break a leg. Thank you guys.
25. Patricia Arquette
Television Escape at Dannemora
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
Thank you much, I really didn’t whew I thought you were saying Patricia Clarkson, so I was like yeah
she’s awesome. I told her I wanted to go to her acting class when we were outside. Thank you to my
fellow nominees, I love all your work, I’m inspired by all of you. I want to thank - my family, my
boyfriend Eric White, my friends for all your support, my team David DeCamillo and Molly Madden. I
want to thank Ben Stiller for your incredible support and letting me explore Tilly and believing that
there was value to the way she saw the world, and felt, and her sexuality and all of it. Benicio del Toro
you are a beast and one of the most amazing actors I’ve ever watched, you blew my mind. Paul Dano
you’re an inspiration and truly honest, integral, there. I learned so much from both of you. Eric Lange
thank you for your incredible work. I was looking at the list of all the actors that worked on this today
and it was six pages long on IMDB and you were all incredible.
Everyone, one order of business some production companies are not paying people their overtime
and their meal penalties, so start taking pictures of your Schedule G and your call sheet because actors
depend on that money to survive, so we have to stop that practice. Oh, thank your Robert Mueller and
everyone working to make sure we have sovereignty for the United States of America. Thank you.
25. Alan Alda
SAG Lifetime Achievement Award
You know it’s really hard to describe to you what it feels like to look out and see my fellow actors, my
colleagues, my heroes to welcome me up here like this, it’s an extraordinary feeling. And Tom, Tom
thank you so much you killed. The thing is this comes at a time when I’ve had a chance to look back
on my life and to think about what it’s meant to be an actor. And I see more than ever now, how proud
I am to be a member of our brotherhood and sisterhood of actors. When we get a chance to act, it’s
our job at least in part, to get inside a character’s head and to search, to search for a way to see life
from that person’s point of view. Another person’s vision of the world – and then to let an audience
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experience that. It may never been more urgent to see the world through another person’s eyes and
when the culture is divided so sharply, actors can help, at least a little, just by doing what we do. And
the nice part is, it’s fun to do it. So, my wish for all of us is let’s stay playful, let’s have fun and let’s keep
searching. It can’t solve everything, but it wouldn’t hurt. I thank our great union for this and let’s honor
the union contract, and I honor our beloved Tony Howard, thank you Tony. I share this with everybody
in the room, thank you so much.
25. Jason Bateman
Television Ozark
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you. This is reassuring - truly though, you know I mean I’m glad I won tonight cause I really - I
was thinking out there if I’m lucky enough to do this I’d love to say that - I was lucky enough to start
coming to this show a few years ago but there was a lot of years where I wasn’t and I’m sure a lot of us
in this room could say the same thing. And I know there is a lot of our fellow union members that are
not here or are not working as frequently as they might want to and that was certainly the case for me
for a long time and you wonder if you’ve got it. You wonder if your any good cause what we’re doing is
were just, we’re liars up there you know and were wondering if people are buying it. Everybody is just
a job away, for me it was Arrested Development, I’m very very grateful to that show. I just want to say
to the people that are at home and not working as frequently as they want, you’re just one job away,
you’re plenty talented, and hang in there. I want to thank the voters of SAG-AFTRA, there are a lot of
people I’d love to thank but I’m out of time, so I am looking forward to doing that personally, face to
face. I would like to say, specifically though, to my wife, my two daughters Amanda, Frannie and
Maple without you, none of it would be enjoyable and it probably wouldn’t be possible, so I love you
more than I even tell you I do and I’ll be home for kisses so don’t go to bed and Amanda pop a mint,
I’m gonna come and give you yours in about 5 minutes.
25. Sandra Oh
Television Killing Eve
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
Thank you so much. I celebrate my fellow nominees, beautiful beautiful work. I’m just gonna thank a
bunch of actors here, starting with the remarkable Killing Eve cast. Thank you Jodie Comer and Fiona
Shaw and Owen McDonald and Kim Bodnia and Sean Delaney and Kirby Howell-Baptiste who’s here.
Darren Boyd and David Haig. I’d like to thank my mentor, Kim Gillingham and all the fellow creative
dreamers, I am not the actor I am without the work that we share. And I just so want to thank my
fellow actors, I have felt your support so tremendously the past years. I want to thank Alfre Woodard,
wait in 1997, she’s never gonna remember this. In 1997, she whispered in my ear – I am so proud of
you out there, we fight the same fight. Jamie Foxx in 2006 pulled me aside and he said keep going.
And in 2017, Lena Waithe she just embraced me and said you’ve already won, it’s in the work. So,
thank you to my fellow actors, thank you so much.
25. Television This Is Us
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
MANDY MOORE: Oh, my goodness, it’s gonna be a minute there’s quite a few of us. Wow. First of all,
just a huge thank you to the union our union, all of the SAG-AFTRA members that watch our show and
voted for us we are so deeply appreciative. Dana, Gary, Sharon, Howard everyone at FOX. George,
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Paul, Lisa, Grace everyone from NBC. Dan Fogelman, our fearless leader we love you so much. Ken,
Jess, John, Glen, Charlie, Isaac and Elizabeth and all of our incredible writers. Our crew, we have the
best crew in the business, we’re a little bias but. All of the background actors, guest actors, again
everyone’s been saying it tonight, but our show wouldn’t be what it is without you.
JUSTIN HARTLEY: That’s very true, um, and thank you so much for embracing a show that’s about life
and its unpredictable loss and its sweet sweet victories and inclusivity and all of that amazing stuff. And
also, like really quick my time is running out thank you to all of our parents up here for feeling randy,
otherwise we wouldn’t be here, so thank you for that too.
25. Rami Malek
Film Bohemian Rhapsody
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Wow, this just seems extraordinary to me when I look at those actors I am nominated with truly. I
just never in my wildest dreams thought I could be in a category with these men and I’m so proud to
be one of your peers, and to celebrate my peers tonight, and to be celebrated by them. It’s an honor,
I’m taken aback by it. I have to thank SAG-AFTRA, wouldn’t be here without having that and my
producers Graham King and Dennis O’Sullivan, FOX, New Regency and this ensemble that is so
extraordinary to me - that carried me through every moment on this film thank you. I have anecdotes
of what it is to be an actor and to be delivering pizzas and stuff like that, but I will spare you. I thank
Queen and Freddie Mercury; I get some power from him that is about stepping up and living your best
life, being exactly who you want to be and accomplishing everything you so desire. And I feel that, and
he allows us all to feel that, so this is again for him. Thank you very much.
25. Glenn Close
Film The Wife
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
We can’t keep meeting like this. Oh my gosh. I am so proud to be in this union. I am so proud to
receive this award from my fellow actors. And I think of all of us sitting in the room and I think of all of
you watching on TV, all of you who haven’t had the chances that we’ve had, and I salute you with this. I
one of the most powerful things that we have as human beings are two eyes looking into two eyes.
And film is the only art form that allows us the close up - and it substitutes for real life two eyes looking
into two eyes. And I think we have to remember how powerful that is in a world that is consumed with
different sized screens. That the power that we have are two human eyes looking into two other eyes
that will give us empathy and understanding. And I just want to thank the incredible crew, the
Glaswegian crew, the crew in Sweden, I want to thank my director Bjorn Runge, Ulf Brantas our
wonderful DP, Lena who was our editor. I want to thank Jane Anderson for a beautiful script, Meg
Wolitzer for an incredible novel. My beautiful Jonathan Price, you can’t have a wife without a husband.
He was a magnificent collaborator. Thank you so much for honoring me with this, I honor you. I am so
proud to be part of you. Thank you.
25. Film Black Panther
Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture
CHADWICK BOSEMAN: Well I’ll be. I didn’t think I was gonna have to speak. Obviously, we have to
thank SAG-AFTRA for this moment of appreciation and celebration of this film. Thank our director Ryan
Coogler, he’s a genius. Gotta run through the names of the execs Bob Iger, Alan Horn, Nate Moore,
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Louis DEsposito, Victoria Alonso, Kevin… I’m I gotta save the best for last, I’m not gonna forget Kevin
Feige. Kevin Feige. And this cast, this ensemble that um when I think of going to work every day and
the passion, and the intelligence, the resolve, the discipline that everybody showed.
I also think of two questions that we all have received during the course of multiple publicity runs. And
one is - did we know that this movie was going to receive this kind of response, meaning was it gonna
make billions of dollars, was it gonna make a billion dollars. Was it still going to be around during this
award season? And the second questions is has it changed the industry? Has it actually changed the
way this industry works? How it sees us? And my answer to that is to be young, gifted and black.
Because all of us up here know, and Andy we include you too man you got great timing boy, great
timing. To be young, gifted and black, we all know what it’s like to be told that there is not a place for
you to be featured yet you are young, gifted and black. We know what it’s like to be told to say that
there is not a screen for you to be featured on, a stage for you to be featured on. We know what it’s
like to be the tail and not the head. We know what it’s like to be beneath and not above. And that is
what we went to work with every day, because we knew not that we would be around during award
season or that it would make a billion dollars, but we knew we had something special that we wanted
to give the world. That we could be full human beings in the roles that we were playing, we could
create a world that exemplified a world that we wanted to see. We knew that we had something that
we wanted to give. And to come to work every day and to solve problems with this group of people
every day, with this director, that is something that I wish all actors would get the opportunity to
experience. If you get to experience that, you will be a fulfilled artist.
Now the question of what’s the second question I had? The question of, you know, would we be
around don’t give me the music. The question of would we be around during award season, I just
have to say, you know, it’s a pleasure to be celebrated by you, to be love by you, and one thing I do
know did it change the industry? I know that you can’t have Black Panther now without a 2 on it. So
we love you and we celebrate it.