The Unique Tradition of the SAG Awards: No Hosts!

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, a prestigious event in the entertainment industry, has a unique tradition that sets it apart from other award shows – it doesn’t have a host. This tradition has piqued the curiosity of many, leading to the question: Why is there no host at the SAG Awards?

30th Annual SAG Awards

The SAG Awards, now in their 30th year, are a much-anticipated event in the entertainment world. They keep celebrities and fans alike on their toes, with social media buzzing with stunning red-carpet photos. This year’s event is scheduled to air on Netflix on Saturday, February 24, at 8pm EST. The venue is the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

Instagram | sagawards | The awards are back with familiar faces like Cillian Murphy, nominated once again for his performance in ‘Oppenheimer.’

This year’s awards are particularly noteworthy as they mark the first event since the historic SAG-AFTRA strike that brought Hollywood to a standstill for over 100 days. Despite this hiatus, the awards are back in full swing, with many familiar faces nominated once again. Among the nominees are Paul Giamatti for “The Holdovers,” Cillian Murphy for “Oppenheimer,” and Lily Gladstone for “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

The Tradition of No Host

Unlike other award shows, the SAG Awards have operated without a host since their start in 1995. This tradition was interrupted in 2018 and 2019 when Kristen Bell and Megan Mullally, respectively, were named as hosts. Yet, by 2020, the awards returned to their roots and have continued without a host since then.

Instead of a host, the SAG Awards rely on a roster of star-studded presenters. This year, the presenters are complemented by two ambassadors: Phil Dunster from “Ted Lasso” and Taylor Zakhar Perez from “Red, White and Royal Blue.”

Instagram | taylorzakharperez | This year, two ambassadors, Phil Dunster and Taylor Zakhar Perez, complement the presenters.

Why the No-Host Tradition?

The decision to revert to a host-free event in 2020 was based on two main reasons. Firstly, the producers noted that the Oscars saw improved ratings when they went host-less in 2019 and the next years. Secondly, the producers are cognizant of the fact that award shows can become lengthy, often extending to three hours.

By eliminating a host, they aim to keep the event within a two-hour timeframe. During this time, 13 awards, voted on by the actors themselves, will be presented. Additionally, this year, Barbra Streisand will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Presenters

Instagram | sagawards |Presenters also include Robert Downey Jr. and Cillian Murphy, co-stars in ‘Oppenheimer’.

A total of 30 presenters were announced in the days leading up to the ceremony. Idris Elba will kick off the event, while Jennifer Aniston will present Barbra Streisand with the SAG Life Achievement Award.

Other presenters include Robert Downey Jr. and Cillian Murphy, co-stars in “Oppenheimer,” Margot Robbie from “Barbie,” Michael Cera, Issa Rae, America Ferrera, Sterling K. Brown, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Jeffrey Wright from “American Fiction,” among others.

The SAG Awards tradition of not having a host is a unique aspect of the event that sets it apart from other award shows. It’s a testament to the event’s focus on celebrating the achievements of actors, keeping the spotlight on them. This approach, combined with a star-studded list of presenters, ensures an engaging and streamlined event that continues to captivate audiences year after year.