The 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards are just around the corner, set to stream live on Netflix on February 23rd at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, and Kristen Bell is preparing to take the stage as host. The announcement comes as Bell also reminisces about a surprising early experience in her career – being cut from her debut film role in a project titled ‘Pootie Tang.’ The actor statue itself, a symbol of collaborative artistry, is a handcrafted piece, a fact that resonated deeply with Bell after witnessing its creation firsthand.
Bell’s upcoming hosting gig marks a significant moment for the SAG Awards, which continue to celebrate the work of actors across film and television. The awards themselves are more than just accolades; they represent a complex process of artistry and teamwork, mirroring the collaborative nature of the acting profession. The bronze statuettes, weighing 12 pounds, are a testament to this dedication, crafted using a centuries-old “lost-wax” method at the American Fine Arts Foundry in Burbank, California. The process, as described by those involved, is a meticulous undertaking, ensuring each statue is a unique work of art.
The Making of “The Actor” Statuette
The creation of the SAG Award statue, affectionately known as “The Actor,” begins with an original sculpture by Edward Saenz, created in 1995. American Fine Arts Foundry president Brett Barney and production manager Angel Maza oversee the process, utilizing the lost-wax method to ensure each statuette is individually crafted. According to Variety, the process involves creating a wax copy from the master mold, then using that copy to create a bronze casting. The molten bronze is heated to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a glowing, lava-like substance poured into red wax molds.
