Post Strike SAG Awards Show: Netflix Presents a Confusing, Extended
The 2024 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, which allegedly only ran ten minutes over its two-hour time slot, left viewers with a sense of bewilderment. Unlike most awards shows, the SAG Awards and other guild ceremonies award winners only in their respective disciplines, but that didn’t make the telecast more efficient or memorable in any way.
Unlike most awards shows, the SAG Awards and other guild ceremonies award winners only in their respective disciplines, but that didn’t make the telecast more efficient or memorable in any way. While the room full of nominees and winners were endlessly thankful to their union and outside solidarity during the strikes, the telecast failed to sufficiently honor the talent on display worthily — that, too, on the show’s 30th anniversary.
And it was no ordinary SAG Awards year for another obvious reason: The telecast aired live on Netflix for the first time (including a pre-show hosted by Tan France and Elaine Welteroth). Netflix is one of the only streamers that doesn’t dabble in live TV, so teaming up with the SAG Awards was both surprising and smart. The world’s most ubiquitous streaming platform could prove that it does traditional TV as well, and that it could be a home for other awards shows looking to reach new audiences worldwide.
This year marked a significant milestone for the SAG Awards: the telecast aired live on Netflix for the first time. Post Strike SAG Awards Show. The streaming giant, known for its vast library of on-demand content, ventured into the live TV arena, surprising audiences and industry insiders alike. The absence of commercial breaks (as Idris Elba cheekily pointed out at the start of the show) added to the novelty. No interruptions, just a continuous flow of acceptance speeches and heartfelt moments.
Also Read: Producers Guild Award 2024: Complete Winner List.
However, the creative decision to include post-win interviews during the telecast proved to be both a blessing and a curse. While it was an inventive alternative to traditional commercial breaks, it disrupted the show’s momentum early on. Tan France, the charming host, interviewed previous winners backstage, providing glimpses into their emotions and reactions. But for viewers, it felt like jumping back several categories after each award, creating a constant whiplash effect.
It also meant no commercial breaks, as Idris Elba pointed out at the top of the show (he commended anyone smart enough to bring a flask, which led to a brilliant cutaway of Rhea Perlman offering hers to Lisa Ann Walter) — at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, France returned in between awards to interview previous winners backstage, starting with Jeremy Allen White after his win for “The Bear.” Despite being an inventive alternative to traditional commercial breaks, this creative decision killed the telecast’s momentum early in the night, and it never recovered.
The standout moment? Pedro Pascal’s delightfully tipsy interview, where he flirted with Tan France, declared his intention to make out with Kieran Culkin and was interrupted by a hug from Steven Yeun. It was a rare unscripted gem in a sea of rehearsed speeches.
Post Strike SAG Awards Show: Netflix Presents a Confusing, Extended
As the SAG Awards celebrated its 30th anniversary, the Netflix experiment showcased the platform’s potential as a home for live events. Whether it’s a sign of things to come or a one-time venture remains to be seen. But for now, the bloated and baffling telecast will be remembered as a curious footnote in awards show history.
