For the full list of this year's film nominees, head here.
The 30th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony is set for Feb. 24. The nominees, announced Jan. 10, represent the greatest performances of film and television from the turbulent 2023 season. Members of SAG-AFTRA in good standing will now have the chance to cast their votes for the winners.
In the TV categories, SAG recognizes outstanding male and female performances, male and female supporting performances, and ensembles on comedy and drama series; male and female performances on limited series; and stunt ensembles.
Critically acclaimed period pieces, biographical series, and text-to-screen adaptations abounded on TV last year. Nominated shows include historical dramas “The Gilded Age” and “A Small Light”; true-life tales “Painkiller” and “Lawmen: Bass Reeves”; and fresh takes on the works of Thomas Mallon (“Fellow Travelers”) and Bonnie Garmus (“Lessons in Chemistry”).
Several awards-sweeping series wrapped up their runs this year, giving their actors and ensembles one last chance to win (further) SAG statuettes: comedies “Barry” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and dramas “The Crown” and “Succession.” Unsurprisingly, the latter earned the most TV nods this year with five. “Ted Lasso,” “The Bear,” and “The Last of Us” are neck-in-neck for second place with four each.
Here’s the full rundown of this year’s small-screen nominees.
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- Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
- Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
- Male Actor in a Drama Series
- Female Actor in a Drama Series
- Male Actor in a Comedy Series
- Female Actor in a Comedy Series
- Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
- Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
- Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series
Brian Cox, “Succession”
By the third episode of the final season of this Emmys-sweeping HBO series, Cox’s Logan Roy is dead. But the towering patriarch of the striving Waystar Royco clan hardly goes out with a whimper. The Emmy winner is terrifying whenever he’s onscreen, dominating every scene. Witness Logan’s swan song, in which he tells his scheming children that they’re “not serious people” while bathed in the lurid purple light of a karaoke room.
Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show”
Imagine being deluded enough to go up against Cory Ellison, the president of the TV network at the center of “The Morning Show,” and thinking you’d come out on top. On Jay Carson and Kerry Ehrin’s newsroom drama, Crudup’s character is the kind of money-hungry, selfish man that audiences usually root against; but the actor’s self-deprecating smirk hints that he’s in on the absurdity. He backs up Cory’s smarmy attitude with a performance that’s steely and cold to the core. A boss who’s a hard-ass and a charmer? That’s got to be the craziest twist on a show full of them.
Kieran Culkin, “Succession”
Through most of “Succession,” Culkin wears Roman Roy’s snarky cynicism like armor. He’s the impish younger brother, doling out insults lightning-quick. But on the final season, we see him crumble. The three-time Emmy nominee delivers many moments of brilliance—but none is more memorable than when he breaks down at his father’s funeral, takes to the streets, and submits to a beating from angry protesters. Culkin has laced Roman’s bravado with vulnerability throughout the series, and it was incredible to see the latter come to the fore this season.
Credit: Macall Polay/HBO
Matthew Macfadyen, “Succession”
There’s no doubt that starring on this satirical drama has transformed Macfadyen’s career. Yes, Shiv Roy’s (Sarah Snook) desperate, ruthless husband, Tom Wambsgans, is a gift of a character, but the stage-trained actor has brought more dimensions to the role than the writers could ever have hoped for. From his bullying of Greg to the gentle way he spoke to Shiv after her father’s death to the show’s shocking finale, Macfadyen made his repulsive character feel genuinely human.
Pedro Pascal, “The Last of Us”
Pascal took his character to grisly places on Season 1 of HBO’s hit video-game adaptation; it’s a far cry from his persona as a cuddly internet heartthrob. Joel Miller is a new kind of Western antihero: He’s a severe Texas gunslinger haunted by unimaginable loss, tasked with escorting a sullen teen (Bella Ramsey) across an America transformed by a zombifying infection. Pascal’s stoic portrayal—see a moment of stifled grief on the show’s third episode—gives audiences a greater understanding of how the strong, silent type becomes that way.
Jennifer Aniston, “The Morning Show”
On the third season of Jay Carson and Kerry Ehrin’s newsroom drama, Alex Levy is no longer playing nice—and Aniston sinks her teeth into her character’s ambition with gleeful abandon, as Alex responds to a lack of support at UBA with demands for a seat at a table that’s much larger than the anchor desk. This season also gives Aniston the chance to dust off her rom-com skills (opposite Jon Hamm, no less), offering Alex a new perspective and showing just how deeply she connects her identity with her career.
Elizabeth Debicki, “The Crown”
Considering she only appears on half of the sixth and final season of Peter Morgan’s series, Debicki’s performance as Princess Diana is an extraordinary showcase of her exceptional range. We all know what happened in 1997, of course, but this is a roller-coaster retelling of events. Whether she’s having frivolous fun with Dodi Fayed (Khalid Abdalla) or sharing tender conversations with her young sons, Debicki’s portrayal is consistently authentic and sensitive. The Australian actor is competing against sensational true-life events for the spotlight; but thanks to her captivating performance, she manages to pull it off.
Bella Ramsey, “The Last of Us”
The kid sidekick is one of pop culture’s most maligned archetypes. Quippy, reckless, prone to distress—these characters can grate. But on Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin’s video-game adaptation, Ramsey’s Ellie Williams is no cliche. While traveling with Pedro Pascal’s Joel Miller, she banters, acts rashly, and needs saving sometimes; however, Ramsey (who previously gave a child regent the ferocity of a grizzly bear on “Game of Thrones”) plays Ellie like a dandelion breaking through concrete—a scrappy-as-hell weed, sure, but with a sense of wonder that no killer mushroom zombie can crush.
Credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO
Keri Russell, “The Diplomat”
Not since Holly Hunter in “Broadcast News” has an actor so cleanly, concisely conveyed the burden of being the smartest person in the room as Russell does on Debora Cahn’s Netflix series. She plays Kate Wyler, the United States ambassador to the U.K. Her husband (Rufus Sewell) is a liability, her employees doubt her skills, and everyone wants to put her in a dress; but Kate holds firm, even as she rolls her eyes. Russell makes a feast of the role, combining deadpan comedy with rage and political cunning, never mistaking seriousness for grimness.
Sarah Snook, “Succession”
There was nothing more exciting on television this year than watching Snook as Shiv Roy verbally spar with Matthew Macfadyen as her estranged husband, Tom Wambsgans. Their marital tiffs veered from innuendo to vitriol, and the three-time Emmy nominee sank her teeth into every line, consistently captivating viewers. Shiv is a tricky beast—constantly trying to move herself into a position of power even as she undermines her own efforts. Snook captured her desperation perfectly.
Brett Goldstein, “Ted Lasso”
Roy Kent branches out on the third installment of this awards-sweeping comedy, working on expressing his emotions—and actually wearing colorful clothes! Whether he’s grappling with a breakup or finally agreeing to join the Diamond Dogs (a support group for people with relationship problems) Roy has arguably experienced the most growth of any character on the series. He’s evolved from grumpy footballer into a man who howls with joy alongside his teammates. Goldstein pulls off the trick without ever losing his character’s trademark scowl or growled delivery.
Bill Hader, “Barry”
It’s always hard to say goodbye to a critically acclaimed series, but Hader gave his titular character a proper sendoff on the final season of the HBO tragicomedy he co-created with Alec Berg. The show ended as it began, with the hitman-turned-actor embarking on a path toward atonement—believing, perhaps foolishly, that he can atone for his past sins. Hader’s comedic timing was always on point, but it was his drama chops that gave weight to this story of self-actualization.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear”
After the hectic bustle of Season 1, the sophomore installment of Christopher Storer’s acclaimed comedy-drama pumps the brakes, offering a series of slow-burn character studies that allow for subtle, profound moments of growth. Nowhere is that more true than for Moss-Bachrach’s Richie Jerimovich, who on the first season was a ticking time bomb of anger and resentment, leveling everyone in his blast radius. So the character’s arc on “Forks,” the seventh episode of Season 2, feels both surprising and inevitable, as his resentment of his “cousin” Carmy’s (Jeremy Allen White) fine-dining perfectionism blooms into a deep appreciation of what it means to give your all to even the smallest act. In Moss-Bachrach’s capable hands, it’s a joy to watch Richie transform into the calm, compassionate man he was always meant to be.
Credit: Chuck Hodes/FX
Jason Sudeikis, “Ted Lasso”
Sudeikis’ good-natured soccer coach finally lets himself express anger on this season of the Apple TV+ comedy—and it happens when you least expect it. Ted has always refused to give in to his basest instincts, but a late-season confrontation with his mother (Becky Ann Baker) provides a moment of catharsis for both character and audience. In the Emmy winner’s hands, Ted’s long-withheld rage is shot through with a sense of respect as he makes the subtext text three seasons in.
Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear”
White netted a SAG Award and a Golden Globe for his work on the first season of “The Bear”; now, he’s up for an Emmy to boot. His leading turn as harried chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto only deepens on Season 2, as the character finds himself facing a brand-new crisis: coping with having his greatest dream come true, but unequipped to stand still in the calm eye of the storm. As he and his business partner, Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), work on transforming their neighborhood sandwich joint into a fine-dining restaurant, Carmy finds himself pulling away from the hustle that’s always defined him to embark on a romance with his childhood crush (Molly Gordon). White conveys his character’s internal struggle—and the trauma he keeps buried 10 miles down—as much through silences as outbursts, creating one of the most indelible performances in TV history.
Alex Borstein, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
Borstein has already earned two Emmys for her portrayal of Susie Myerson, bringing her comedic mastery to the role of Midge Maisel’s (Rachel Brosnahan) always-hustling talent manager. The final season of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s Prime Video series cracked open the character’s tough outer shell as Borstein delved into a heartbreak from Susie’s past, a devastating argument with her most important client, and her consideration of a potential future as a Hollywood power broker. (The latter occurred on “The Testi-Roastial,” which deserves to go down as one of the show’s best episodes.) Most of all, Borstein cemented herself as an actor every bit as vital to the show’s success as its star.
Rachel Brosnahan, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
It’s been five seasons since striving standup Miriam “Midge” Maisel first stepped onstage at the Gaslight Cafe. When she finally got her big break, the moment was both thrilling and inevitable—and that has a lot to do with Brosnahan’s propulsive performance. It’s no wonder the actor earned an Emmy for the first season and has been nominated for every installment since. Midge has always been someone we rooted for, even when she made questionable choices in the name of her career. Brosnahan had the chance to explore the character’s depths in the final episodes, culminating in a time jump that showed Midge enjoying the success she always knew she was destined for.
Courtesy Prime Video
Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary”
Brunson isn’t only the creator of this Emmy-winning ABC sitcom; in the role of second grade teacher Janine Teagues, she’s also its heart. The character is a sweetheart who wants to be liked by, well, absolutely everyone, from coworkers to students to the checkout guy at the grocery store. Due to her naiveté, Janine’s good intentions don’t always lead to successful outcomes, and she often ends up the butt of the joke (e.g., a rival teacher calling her “Bilbo Baggins” because of her short stature). But Brunson brings her own laughs, too, often without saying a word; her reaction shots are a thing of beauty.
Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear”
Between her hilarious performances in critically acclaimed indies “Theater Camp” and “Bottoms,” Season 2 of “The Bear,” and an Emmy nod for the latter, Edebiri is having one hell of a year. And though the writer-turned-actor had us cheering for Chef Sydney Adamu from the first episode of Christopher Storer’s acclaimed Hulu series, she truly comes into her own on the sophomore season. When Sydney and her business partner, Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), tackle the Herculean task of building a fine-dining restaurant from the ground up, she gets the chance to step back from the relentless pressure of the kitchen and think about what she wants from her career—and her life. Whether she’s butting heads with Carmy or obsessively perfecting recipes in her home kitchen, Edebiri takes us along on every step of her character’s inner journey.
Hannah Waddingham, “Ted Lasso”
Waddingham deserves all the awards for her powerhouse performance on this season’s sixth episode, “Sunflowers,” in which Rebecca Welton connects with a hunky stranger on a houseboat. She was in top form as the football club owner throughout the final season; but in the span of a single episode, she embraced slapstick comedy and got the chance to play everything from wary to sexy to drunk. That’s a lot to ask of any actor, but Waddingham knows her character so intimately that she more than pulled it off, while also showcasing just how much Rebecca has matured.
Matt Bomer, “Fellow Travelers”
On this queer period romance based on Thomas Mallon’s novel of the same name, Bomer masterfully portrays a character who wields his innate charisma as both a shield and a weapon. He stars as Hawkins “Hawk” Fuller, a World War II vet who believes that his heroic reputation makes him invulnerable to investigations into “delinquent” staffers within the State Department. But he soon learns that arrogance and a million-dollar smile will only take you so far. As Hawk moves from his hotshot political days to the profound regret of his later years, the Emmy-nominated Bomer is afforded the space to explore the flaws and frayed edges of his character. His capacity for intimacy shifts over time, and his chemistry opposite both Bailey and Allison Williams is electric.
Jon Hamm, “Fargo”
This Emmy winner’s commanding presence and imposing stature is a perfect fit for Roy Tillman, a sheriff who’s hellbent on tracking down seemingly ordinary housewife Dorothy Lyon (Juno Temple). Subverting the traditional image of the upstanding lawman, the character’s handsome exterior conceals darkness and delusions of grandeur; Hamm’s conviction in the role makes him a formidable villain. When a pair of FBI agents visit to question the legality of his methods, he greets them naked except for his sheriff’s hat, sending a clear message that he considers himself to be above the law.
Credit: Frank W Ockenfels III/FX
David Oyelowo, “Law Men: Bass Reeves”
“Yellowstone” impresario Taylor Sheridan executive produced Chad Feehan’s historical crime drama, and it shows in the series’ rich evocation of the post–Civil War American frontier. “Lawmen” follows real-life legend Bass Reeves (Oyelowo) who escapes slavery and becomes a deputy U.S. Marshal, tasked with tracking down criminals in Arkansas’ notorious “Indian Territory.” Oyelowo channels the stoic grit of the classic Western hero while conveying his character’s complex feelings about his identity as a lawman. The Emmy nominee also shares a biting chemistry with costars Lauren E. Banks, Dennis Quaid, and Barry Pepper. As Reeves struggles to balance his duties with his family life, Oyelowo traces a compelling emotional arc.
Tony Shalhoub, “Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie”
Returning to a role after a 14-year hiatus is a daunting prospect. But on Andy Breckman’s followup to his 2002 comedy, Shalhoub effortlessly slips back into Adrian Monk’s trademark brown suit. The film-length sequel sees the consulting detective come out of retirement to take on a case he’s personally invested in. The actor won three Emmys for the role, and his comic timing is as sharp as ever while never being at odds with Monk’s underlying depression. In a post-lockdown world, the character’s OCD-fueled attention to detail takes on added depth—and the veteran actor embraces it. Whether he’s hilariously failing as a bartender or sharing heartfelt moments with scene partners old and new, Shalhoub stays sharp.
Steven Yeun, “Beef”
Small-time contractor Danny Cho lives with his brother (Mazino) in the world’s saddest post-college apartment, and his main hobby is singing in a church choir. The Oscar-nominated Yeun takes what’s on the page and runs with it, creating a character who’s a ball of conflicting emotions and wounded toxic masculinity. His portrayal sets the stage for a deadly game of cat-and-mouse (and will-they-won’t-they) with his archenemy, Amy (Wong), in the aftermath of a road-rage incident. We pity Danny and are annoyed by him in equal measure; but Yeun makes sure we always know where he’s coming from.
Uzo Aduba, “Painkiller”
Most of the central characters on Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster’s dramatization of the early opioid crisis are real-life figures. But Aduba’s investigator, Edie Flowers, is a composite character, standing in for the hundreds of officials who tried to expose the misdeeds of the OxyContin-producing Sackler family. Rather than evoking any specific person, Aduba approaches the role with her unique brand of fierce determination, adding to the pathos of Edie’s situation as her idealism proves ineffective against the all-powerful Purdue Pharma. The three-time Emmy winner’s grounded performance balances darkly comedic turns from her costars Matthew Broderick and Dina Shihabi.
Kathryn Hahn, “Tiny Beautiful Things”
The ironic premise of an advice columnist whose life is falling apart powers Liz Tigelaar’s adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s 2012 essay collection. The Hulu series finally trains a spotlight on frequent supporting player Hahn, whose idiosyncratic charm and dry wit bring specificity to the role of reluctant advice guru Clare Pierce. She makes us feel the exhaustion and anger of a conflicted, imperfect woman doing her best to balance her demanding new job with her messy home life. Hahn brings equal parts comedy and sadness to the role, to bittersweet effect.
Brie Larson, “Lessons in Chemistry”
Though chemist Elizabeth Zott (Larson) is clearly the smartest scientist at the Southern California laboratory where she works as a low-level assistant, practically all of her colleagues want her to focus on being seen and not heard. Adapted from Bonnie Garmus’ bestselling novel of the same name, Lee Eisenberg’s “Lessons in Chemistry” charts Elizabeth’s rise from traumatized student to adored TV chef while delving into the ’50s-era sexism she’s forced to deal with. The Oscar-winning Larson plays the character as a woman who’s awkward in one-on-one conversations but calculated when she’s fighting against social norms. It’s a complexity befitting a scientist.
Courtesy Apple TV+
Bel Powley, “A Small Light”
Without Miep Gies, Anne Frank’s diary would have been lost; there’s weight to taking on a role of that magnitude. Across the eight episodes of Tony Phelan and Joan Rater’s biographical drama, Powley captures the swirling contradictions of an ordinary woman who performs extraordinary acts of bravery as she shelters the Franks and another Jewish family from the Nazis. Whether Gies is indulging in an expensive, borrowed garment or giving Anne advice about her crush, brief flashes of joy and normalcy juxtapose the swirling dread. Powley imbues the character with a memorable combination of defiance, despair, and fury.
Ali Wong, “Beef”
2023 has been a year filled with stellar personifications of female rage; but Wong’s character on this Lee Sung Jin series towers above the rest. She plays Amy Lau, an influencer whose beige-colored life unravels after a road rage incident. She loves her family (within reason) and her job (to a degree), but her profound impostor syndrome takes her to dark places. Wong remains wide-eyed and dangerous right up until the final episodes, when the show veers into something stranger than heightened drama; Amy is a woman on the verge of doing something she doesn’t fully understand.
“Ahsoka”
“Barry”
“Beef”
“The Last of Us”
“The Mandalorian”