Relive the Unforgettable Highlights from SAG’s Actor Awards Through the Years
The Screen Actors Guild’s Actor Awards provide a platform for Hollywood’s elite to honor each other, resulting in countless unforgettable moments during the broadcast.
Annually, actors, musicians, journalists, and other members of the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) unite for one of the finest awards shows of the year.
In 2010, the beloved Betty White had the audience in fits of laughter as she accepted the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, playfully referencing her numerous notable flings throughout her illustrious career.
“To this day, I’m still starstruck. I look at this amazing audience filled with so many iconic faces, and what truly surprises me is that I know many of you personally and have collaborated with quite a few … and perhaps had a few … “ the Golden Girls star jested.
The guild’s tribute to lifetime achievements in film and television often becomes one of the most nostalgic portions of the evening. During the 21st annual Actor Awards, Carrie Fisher had the honor of introducing her mother, Debbie Reynolds, as the legendary actress received the accolade.
“I have a very special connection to this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Not only is my grandmother her mother, but she is also the grandmother to my supposed daughter. We even happen to be neighbors. And if that weren’t enough, she’s also my mother,” said the Star Wars actress back in 2015.
Tragically, the mother-daughter pair passed away just days apart the following year.
Jane Fonda, for her part, received the honor at the 2025 ceremony.
“This is incredibly meaningful to me. I’m here to speak loudly. Thank you, SAG-AFTRA. Your enthusiasm transforms this into not just a twilight of my life but more of a ‘Go girl kick ass!’ situation, which is great because I’m far from finished,” Fonda declared to enthusiastic applause. “I’ve had a rather unusual career – completely unplanned, as my agents at that table would confirm. I took a few years off, returned at 65, which isn’t typical, and then landed one of my biggest hits in my 80s. Who knows, maybe I’ll be doing my own stunts in action films in my 90s! Have you heard the saying, ‘It’s okay to bloom late as long as you don’t miss the flower show’? Well, I’m a late bloomer, and this is my flower show.”
Beyond these heartfelt moments, the awards ceremony also allows Hollywood stars the chance to humorously tease some of their closest friends. For example, in 2013, Tina Fey embraced this opportunity when she won Best Female Actor in a Comedy Series.
“I want to share this with my dear friend Amy Poehler, who I’ve known for ages. I’ve borrowed so many of her moves,” the 30 Rock star joked. “Amy, I’ve known you since you were expecting Lena Dunham.
You can watch the video above for more of the Actor Awards’ most unforgettable moments!
