Tearjerkers and Laughs: Iconic SAG Awards “I Am an Actor” Moments
The Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards) are not just another Hollywood extravaganza—it’s the Oscars’ fun-loving cousin that leads off with a delightful tradition: the “I am an actor” speeches. This ritual, which began with the legendary Angela Lansbury in 1995, has grown into a touching and often hilarious peek behind the curtain of the acting world. Think of it as a group therapy session for celebs, where each shares their heartwarming or hilarious journey into this chaotic industry, all culminating in the iconic closing line, “I am an actor.”
If you haven’t seen these speeches, you’re missing out! Take a stroll down memory lane with Kaley Cuoco, whose 2014 speech became unforgettable when she addressed her first acting coach’s blunt assessment of her flamboyant style, dubbed “pots and pans acting.” Quote alert: “I am proud to say, due to my pots and pans acting, I am an actor.” Talk about owning your quirkiness!
Then there’s Jennifer Aniston, who waxed poetic in 2015 about her childhood dreams of being Scarlett O’Hara. “Oh well. I’m Jennifer Aniston and I am an actor.” Isn’t it comforting to know that even the biggest stars had aspirational phases? Fast-forward to Kristen Bell, who will be hosting the 2025 SAG Awards, and she doesn’t miss a beat with her playful jab at her past when she said, “I am a narcissist—sorry—I am an actor.”
And how can we forget Anne Hathaway? She opened up about watching her mom on stage when she was a kid, saying, “I watched her die on stage and come back to life in time for the applause.” Because really, how poetic can you get?
Over 100 actors have participated in this tradition, showcasing their unique personalities and life stories. From Rami Malek creating characters in the bathroom to Sofia Vergara’s light-hearted quip about looking like a “hooker,” these moments encapsulate the highs and lows of the acting world. Each speech is a reminder of the resilience and humor it takes to make it in Hollywood. So next time you’re about to binge-watch your favorite show, remember these poignant moments that remind us why we love these stars in the first place.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and E! Online, PEOPLE Magazine, Entertainment Weekly
