The 32nd annual SAG Awards on March 1 brought us a blend of culture, laughter, tears, and triumph—a night that will surely live on in Black history. From moving speeches to on-stage banter that sparked joy, here are the moments that had us shouting with enthusiasm.
1. Delroy Lindo was visibly moved during his Sinners speech.
When the ensemble behind Sinners claimed Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, the win felt more like a milestone than a mere accolade.
Delroy Lindo, who portrayed Delta Slim in the film, could barely conceal his emotion as he addressed his fellow castmates.
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“First of all, this project is anointed,” he stated. “This project is anointed and from that standpoint, we’re all anointed to be a part of this incredible journey created by the genius Ryan Coogler.”
Glancing toward the audience, with Ryan Coogler looking on with pride, Lindo kept his message heartfelt. “I love you all.” And, as is fitting for a legend, he pressed on despite a teleprompter glitch.
“I’m supposed to speak on behalf of our cast. There’s supposed to be a teleprompter and I don’t see it, so I’m just going to speak.”
He closed with pure gratitude.
“From the bottom of our hearts, from all of you who gave so much—thank you. Thank you for everything.”
Notably, Samuel L. Jackson introduced the cast and let out a genuine laugh of delight before the group accepted their big prize, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the moment.
2. Michael B. Jordan Took Home a Major Victory.
Michael B. Jordan pulled double duty in Sinners, portraying the twin brothers Smoke and Stack, and the outcome was a triumphant win for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role. He delivered a speech filled with humility and warmth.
“I don’t even know where to begin. I wasn’t expecting this at all, and I want to quickly say that I’m incredibly honored and grateful to be nominated alongside people and humans I admire, and to witness the work you contribute to our craft—this journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
Reflecting on his path and the support from his SAG-AFTRA peers, he thanked his mother for all the sacrifices she endured to help him reach this point.
“That kid from Newark, New Jersey, is standing here right now,” Jordan continued. “Mom, thank you for driving me back and forth to New York when we didn’t have enough money to cross the Holland Tunnel. We were chasing gas money, parking spaces.”
And the room shared in the love he felt.
“Being in this room with all these people who watched me grow up in front of cameras and in these rooms, and feeling the love and encouragement you’ve always shown me to push forward—I’m grateful beyond words,” he said. “So, thank you.”
Viola Davis, who presented the award, let out an audible gasp before announcing Jordan’s name and sparked one of the night’s loudest standing ovations. “You are shining!” she exclaimed, as the crowd roared in approval.
3. Teyana Taylor paid homage to ‘Titanic’ and stunned the red carpet with her daughter Rue.
The perennial “I am an actor” sketch brought out Kristen Wiig, Kate Hudson, Delroy Lindo, Michael J. Fox, and Teyana Taylor, who completely owned the moment.
She revealed a lifelong Titanic fascination before joking about sharing the stage with Leonardo DiCaprio years later, explaining that she always meant to support her One Battle After Another co-star when the moment came.
As she noted while recounting her youth, “Rose let Jack sink to the bottom, since we all know he could have fit on that darn door.”
The actress who plays Perfidia Beverly Hills in One Battle also quipped, “I promised myself that if I ever had the chance to work with Leonardo DiCaprio, I wouldn’t let him drown. I’d sprint away, rob a bank, and leave him with a whole baby.”
And to top it off, Teyana walked the red carpet with the ultimate accessory — her daughter Rue Rose Shumpert by her side.
The five-year-old proudly adjusted her mom’s train and posed with the assurance of a veteran. A nomination, a jaw-dropping gown, and the company of a charming little stylist? A triple win indeed.
During a candid chat with E! News on the red carpet, Rue shared that she felt “honored” to attend the awards alongside her famous mom.
4. Sterling K. Brown & Janelle James deliver a laughing, clumsy Waiting To Exhale moment.
Sterling K. Brown and Janelle James brought pure comedy chaos as they presented Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series. James kicked off with a mock-dramatic monologue inspired by Waiting To Exhale, but Brown struggled to keep pace in real time.
“I gave you 11 years of my life, and you left me for a white woman?” James delivered, imitating a scene from the film. Brown floundered in response, joking about the situation.
“Would it be better if she was white … I mean, if she was black?”
After a theatrical exit, he redeemed himself with the line:
“Fun fact, even though I ruined that joke, I actually can be funny!”
Chaotic, relatable, and absolutely flawless—the night’s celebration of Black excellence was marked by heartfelt tributes and memes-worthy one-liners. And honestly? It’s a moment that’s still resonating.
