The SAG Awards and What They Mean for the Oscars

It now seems clear that Slumdog Millionaire is the favorite to win big at the Oscars next month - the cast was so excited and adorable accepting the SAG award for best ensemble cast last night that it is hard not to be rooting for them (Dev Patel was so cute in his gray tuxedo!)

It is also clear that there is no stopping a Heath Ledger win for supporting actor - there is too much emotion and critical acclaim on his side. The only mystery there will be who collects the award on his behalf. Whoever it is, I suggest you have tissues handy.

The other three acting awards though are still a bit of a jumble. Sean Penn won for his performance in Milk last night so it seems that he may still be able to eke past Mickey Rourke in the final race. Kate Winslet won again for The Reader but since it has been in the supporting category, it allowed Meryl Streep to win in the lead category. I still think that on Oscar night, Kate Winslet will still manage to win for The Reader in the lead category but it will be a harder fight - it is much easier to dominate the supporting category with so prominent a role. There is also no clear signs as to which of the remaining supporting actresses will take it but I think Viola Davis had too little screen time, Amy Adams can't compete against her co-star, Taraji P. Henson also had not enough screen time or acclaim, Marisa Tomei didn't have enough to do in the Wrestler (except strip) so I have to believe that Penelope Cruz, who completely stole Vicki Cristina Barcelona will win in the end. Also, Tomei already has an Oscar, the other three are pretty new and Cruz is due after this performance and her performance in Volver. We'll see on February 22nd!

SAG also honors TV and I have to say I am completely in favor of 30 Rock winning everything it can get its hands on. I also can get behind Mad Men for best drama and I don't watch House but I do like Hugh Laurie. But Sally Field for Brothers and Sisters? Oy. I know she's Sally Field but surely there is a more deserving actress on a more deserving show! Oh well, can't win them all.