‘Black Panther’ scores big win at Screen Actors Guild awards, boosting Oscars chances
- The win puts Black Panther squarely in contention for best picture at the Academy Awards next month
- Rami Malek won best actor for his Freddie Mercury role and Glenn Close won best film actress
Superhero movie Black Panther, a film heralded for its predominantly black cast and vibrant celebration of African culture, won the top award from Hollywood’s Screen Actors Guild on Sunday, boosting its chances in this year’s Oscars race.
Black Panther was named best movie ensemble in a surprise win over favourite A Star is Born, the Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga musical revival.
The awards from SAG-AFTRA, Hollywood’s largest actors union, are closely watched because actors form the largest voting group in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organisation that hands out the Oscars next month.
Glenn Close was honoured with best film actress for playing a devoted spouse in The Wife.
Rami Malek won the trophy for best film actor for his portrayal of late Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.
Only one film in the last 23 years has won the prestigious best picture Oscar without being nominated for SAG’s ensemble prize.
