The Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) are among the most prestigious ceremonies in the film and entertainment industry. The awards are given out by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). It has been running since 1995, handing accolades to impact performers and change makers. Black actors have been feted multiple times for their work and in this article, we look at some.
Viola Davis
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You can’t talk about the best actresses without mentioning Viola Davis. She has bagged numerous accolades during her illustrious career, including six SAG awards. These include:
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role (2021) for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (2021) for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (2012), for her role in The Help.
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (2017) for her role as Rose Maxson in Fences.
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series (2016) for her role in How to Get Away with Murder.
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series (2015) for her role as Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder.
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Chadwick Boseman
The late actor’s legacy remains alive after his vivid portrayals of different characters in several blockbuster films. He won four SAG Awards, one of which, was the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (2021) for Da 5 Bloods. was given posthumously.
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (2021) for Da 5 Bloods.
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (2021) for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role (2021) for his role as Levee Green in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (2019) for Black Panther.
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Denzel Washington
The list of SAG Awards winners can’t be complete without mentioning Denzel Washington. He is one of film and television’s biggest and most accomplished black actors. The types of film demonstrate this together with the awards he’s received.
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role (2002) for his role as Detective Alonzo Harris in Training Day.
He’s also received nominations for these films:
- The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
- Fences (2016)
- Flight (2012)
- The Hurricane (1999)
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Lupita Nyong’o
The Kenyan-Mexican actress has won 2 SAG Awards after her versatile roles in 12 Years a Slave and Black Panther. She received worldwide recognition after her role in the former, bringing the plight of slaves.
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (2019) for Black Panther.
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (2014) for her role as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave.
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Mahershala Ali
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Mahershala Ali has enjoyed a lot of success in his career. Apart from being the first Muslim Academy Awards winner, he has been feted at the SAG Awards, with three awards.
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (2019) for his portrayal of Dr. Don Shirley in Green Book.
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (2019) for Green Book. The ensemble cast’s win highlighted the collaborative success of the film.
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (2017) for his role as Juan in Moonlight.
Octavia Spencer
Octavia Spencer is one of the actors who received worldwide recognition after multiple years in the industry. Her breakthrough came in 2011 after featuring in the highly-acclaimed film The Help. Since then she has won multiple awards, including three SAG Awards.
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (2017) for Hidden Figures.
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (2012) for her role as Minny Jackson in The Help.
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (2012) for The Help.
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Forest Whitaker
Forest Whitaker was at the centre of one of the best cinematic pieces in history. His role as the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the film The Last King of Scotland lived long in viewers’ memory and won him multiple awards, including one SAG Awards
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role (2007) for his portrayal of Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland.
In 2014, Whitaker received a SAG Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (2014) for The Butler.
Final Thoughts
The SAG Awards remain a vital platform for celebrating outstanding performances in entertainment.. As more Black actors continue to rise and share their stories, the legacy of those who came before them will continue to inspire.
These trailblazing winners have paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry, proving that talent and artistry transcend race and cultural barriers. The journey is far from over, but with each win, progress is made, and history is written.
In celebrating these Black SAG winners, we honor their artistry and acknowledge the transformative power of their work. Their victories are not just theirs alone—they belong to everyone who believes in the importance of representation, diversity, and the enduring impact of great storytelling.
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