LOS ANGELES — Conclave, a gripping drama centered on the election of a new pope, secured the Best Movie Cast award at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on Sunday (Feb 23). The win bolsters the film’s chances at the upcoming Academy Awards, where actors hold significant voting power. The star-studded film features Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, who delivered compelling performances in the Vatican-set political thriller. The SAG Awards, held in a red-carpet ceremony streamed live on Netflix, often serve as a strong predictor for the Oscars.

In other major categories, Timothée Chalamet claimed Best Movie Actor for his portrayal of music legend Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. His transformation into the iconic folk singer earned widespread acclaim. Meanwhile, Demi Moore was honored as Best Movie Actress for her performance in The Substance, where she plays a fading celebrity desperately seeking eternal youth.

The supporting actor awards went to Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain and Zoe Saldana for Emilia Perez. Culkin’s performance in the dark comedy and Saldana’s powerful role in the crime drama made them standout choices. The SAG Awards, presented by the SAG-AFTRA union, are highly regarded as they reflect industry sentiment, with actors forming the largest voting bloc in the Academy. With Conclave’s big win, the film now emerges as a strong contender for Oscar glory.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.