Unlike years previous, the 2021 Screen Actors Guild Awards went completely virtual this year. Where stars would usually show up flaunting their best on the red carpet, they all had to spend the virtual ceremony in their own homes. Some celebrated from their gardens, while others celebrated from bed. When you’re a celeb, you do what you want!
The ceremony lasted just an hour, which many of the nominees were happy about. Unlike in-person award shows, these celebrities weren’t forced to indulge in small talk and embarrassing moments afterwards. Kaley Cuoco embodied this sentiment, earning a nomination for her stellar performance in The Flight Attendant on HBO Max. Unfortunately, she lost in the category of Best Female Actor in a Comedy Series, which Catherine O’Hara won for Schitt’s Creek instead.
After the loss, she logged out, hopped back into bed and drank her cocktails from the comfort of her blankets. She even shared a video of herself doing it. She also changed out of her gorgeous, pink Prabal Gurung gown and slipped into an old, baggy nightgown, with the caption, “Ending my night the way I always do. In my strange sleepshirt lol.” Why stuff yourself into uncomfortable garments when you could be getting sloshed in your own loungewear? Celebrities — they’re just like us.
Cuoco also shared that she was ecstatic about being able to attend her first award show with her dog, who normally wouldn’t be allowed on the red carpet.
Kerry Washington also had a grand evening, and was nominated for Best Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for her role in Little Fires Everywhere. Her gown was a custom beaded Etno gown in blue, and it was paired with a scalloped swim cap a la Esther Williams. The aquatic-themed look was perfect for Kerry, complete with a low back and a sweetheart neckline.
Washington posted a photoshoot in her gorgeous garden because jumping into her swimming pool, gown and all. Fittingly, the caption paired with her post plunge pics read: “#SAGAwards are going swimmingly…#MermaidVibesAlways’. In another pre-plunge post, she wrote:
You gotta ditch the sweats when you’re surrounded by all the BEAUTY & BRILLIANCE in this category.
Yet another rule-breaker for this year’s SAG awards was Emily Hampshire, one of the Schitt’s Creek stars. While dresses for these ceremonies usually involve glammed-up looks, but Hampshire instead went for an androgynous outfit, staying true to the role she plays on the show as Stevie.
This time, she wore an oversized cream Polo Ralph Lauren suit made of linen, casually styled with the cuffs rolled up. The look was paired with Converse sneakers, a black tie, and a matching beret.
Mindy Kaling wasn’t deterred by the fact that this ceremony took place at home. Instead, she dazzled in a long blue gown by Alex Perry, with built-in cape sleeves and a ruching in the center. Her accessories, made up a set of rings and starburst drop earrings, were designed by David Yurman.
Catherine O’ Hara, on the other hand, accepted her award in a total power move of an outfit — a Thom Browne custom designed tuxedo look adorned by sequins and a glam black skirt. It was the ultimate blend of femme and masculine and proves that Catherine O’Hara was obviously up to an at-home challenge in the face of those celebs who changed back into their PJs and got into bed.
Dame Helen Mirren proved that age really is just a number as she looked smoldering in her trendy hot-pink-and-red Bradley Mischka gown. The fashionable, color-blocked ensemble was worn with a David Webb jewels and a flawless updo that helped us remember that Mirren is truly the definition of elegance. Honestly, she looked better than attendees of the virtual gathering who were half her age!
And our favorite look of the night might just have to be Viola Davis, who was attending for her iconic role as Mar Rainey on the big screen. To celebrate the moment, sh wore a contemporary neon custom Louis Vuitton, rocking a style that we’ve never seen on her before. The gown was silver and acid green, merging the future with Hollywood’s old school glamour.
Outside of the fabulous looks and BTS antics of famous people at home, the main highlights of the night were The Crown, Ma Rainy’s Black Bottom, and Schitt’s Creek which each took home two trophies. The first award won in the 2021 SAG show was Mark Ruffalo, who took home Best Male Actor In A Television Movie Or Limited Series for his role in I Know This Much Is True.