Screen Actors Guild announces nods

Nominations for this year’s Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awards were announced yesterday by guild president Alan Rosenberg, “Grey’s Anatomy” actress Ellen Pompeo and “E-Ring” actor Benjamin Bratt, revealing that Ang Lee’s “Brokeback Mountain” once again leads the pack in film honors.

The film garnered four nominations: Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor for Heath Ledger, supporting actor for Jake Gyllenhaal, supporting actress for Michelle Williams and Outstanding Performance by a cast in a motion picture.

Those nominated in the same categories reflect nominations for Golden Globe and Independent Spirit Awards, leaving almost no surprises for movie fans.

Actors Russell Crowe for “Cinderella Man,” Philip Seymour Hoffman for “Capote,” Joaquin Phoenix for “Walk The Line,” and David Strathairn for “Good Night, and Good Luck” round out the best actor category. With the exception of Phoenix, all of these actors are up against each other in the Golden Globes best actor category.

Awards shows such as the Golden Globes, SAG, and Independent Spirit Awards often serve as a early predictions for the Academy Awards. “Brokeback Mountain” has been at the top of critics’ and awards lists since the award season started, making it almost a shoe-in for the Academy Awards. Nominations for that will be at the end of this month.

The SAG awards will be broadcast on television stations TNT and TBS, Sunday, Jan. 29, two days before Academy Award nominations.

For a full list of SAG nominations for film and television, see page C4.