5 things to binge-watch before the SAG Awards
And the actor goes to...
The Screen Actors Guild Awards are Sunday (8 p.m. ET on TNT and TBS), the award show that's all about acting. It's an important stepping stone on the way to the Academy Awards, as there is significant overlap between the SAG voting body and the Academy. A SAGs win may be what tips the scale for La La Land,Moonlight or any other film vying for gold this year.
But let's talk TV. The ceremony honors the best of acting in film and television, and while many movies nominated for awards at the SAGs and others are still in theaters (except for a select few), lots of the TV nominees are available right at your fingertips. We rounded up four shows and one TV movie that are worth your time before you watch the glamour and speeches on Sunday.
If you want to watch a winner: The Crown
It's good to be the queen, isn't it? Netflix's lush show about the reign of the U.K.'s Elizabeth II has been winning critics and now awards since it debuted in November. At the Golden Globes earlier this month it cleaned up, taking best actress in a TV drama for star Claire Foy and best drama series. At the SAGs, expect it to make a showing at the podium, probably for John Lithgow's spellbinding turn as Winston Churchill.
Stream The Crown on Netflix.
If you're late to the party: Westworld
Even SNL knows that everyone should have watched Westworld by now. HBO's high-concept drama about robots populating a futuristic theme park is just one of those shows. You know, with 1,001 theories about what is actually going on, plus episodes you have to watch with more concentration than you bring to your job. Buy hey, all that work is being rewarded, at least for the actors involved. The show is up for best ensemble in a drama series, plus best performance by an actress in a drama series for Thandie Newton.
Stream Westworld on HBO Go.
If you're even later to the party: Stranger Things
You probably didn't make it through the summer (or Halloween) without hearing about the paranormal Netflix show. If you haven't quite gotten around to watching yet, now's your perfect chance. Like the rest of us, SAG noticed how amazing pint-sized star Millie Bobby Brown is, who plays the mysterious Eleven on the show. She's nominated for best actress in a drama series alongside co-star Winona Ryder, and the show itself is nominated for best drama series ensemble. See the cuteness of the show's kid actors on-screen before they knock you over on the red carpet.
Stream Stranger Things on Netflix.
If you love stories about friendship: Grace and Frankie
Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda are unstoppable. The pair are both nominated for a SAG for their performance on the Netflix show they anchor, about two women who bond after their husbands leave them for one another. The show has the right blend of humor and heart to entertain you, and even make you feel just a bit better about the world. And considering Tomlin is receiving the lifetime achievement award on Sunday, you might as well celebrate one her most recent (and most stellar) performances.
Stream Grace and Frankie on Netflix.
If you're a Broadway fan: Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar & Grill
Audra McDonald is a Broadway legend, and for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill she turned her talents on a legend of music: Billie Holliday. McDonald picked up a best actress in a TV movie or miniseries nomination for the filmed version of the Broadway play that earned her a Tony. She'll likely lose the SAG to Sarah Paulson, nominated for The People vs. O.J. Simpson, but the movie is still worth your time.
Stream Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill on HBO Go.
You can scroll through more of our binge recommendations below (see recent recs here).
