February 24, 2025
Statement on Behalf of Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO, National Hispanic Media Coalition, on 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Award Recipients
The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) proudly celebrates the excellence showcased at the 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. With recognition across both film and television, entertainers of color and diverse stories were celebrated by their peers through voting by members of the SAG-AFTRA union.
Founded in 1933, SAG-AFTRA is a vital labor union that protects the rights of over 160,000 media professionals. It plays a pivotal role in securing fair pay, equity, benefits, and safe working conditions, while fiercely advocating for ethical labor practices and evolving with the dynamic landscape of the entertainment industry.
We congratulate Zoe Saldaña on her award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her work in Emilia Pérez, marking her first win at the SAG Awards. We also congratulate Selena Gomez, who accepted the award on behalf of the cast of Only Murders in the Building, which won in the category of Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
Jane Fonda was awarded the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, recognizing her extraordinary career and lasting impact on social justice and activism. In her remarks, she shared: 'Have any of you ever watched a documentary about one of the great social movements - apartheid, civil rights, or Stonewall - and asked yourself if you would have been brave enough to walk the bridge? We don’t have to wonder anymore. We are in our documentary moment. This is it, and it’s not a rehearsal!' Fonda’s words are a powerful reminder of the urgent call to action we all face to resist harmful policies affecting communities across the country and the ongoing need for solidarity with the most vulnerable among us.
The evening also celebrated Hollywood's actresses over 50, with Demi Moore receiving recognition for her role in The Substance in the category of Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, and Jean Smart being honored for her performance in Hacks in the category of Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series.
Additional winners and stars from last night’s show included the cast of Shōgun, who were awarded Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series and Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, along with stars from the series Anna Sawai, who won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series, and Hiroyuki Sanada, who won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series.
As more companies and organizations shift away from DEI initiatives, last night’s ceremony was a powerful testament to the enduring power of these efforts. It reaffirmed DEI as a cornerstone of our culture - one that has the power to amplify marginalized voices and create transformative opportunities for all. By championing inclusion and equity, it paves the way for an entertainment industry where everyone can thrive, see themselves reflected, and have their stories honored and celebrated.
Yours in the Movement,
Brenda Victoria Castillo
President & CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition
