SAG Awards Go Above And Beyond For Women; Set Kristen Bell as First Host

The Screen Actor’s Guild Awards are honoring women in a big way. For the first time in the history of the awards, the group has appointed a host for the program and their choice is Kristen Bell.

“I’m not the first female host,” said Bell in a NY Times phone interview. “I’m the first host. The fact that a female was chosen to be the first one means my genitals become irrelevant.”

Kathy Connell, who has been the executive producer of the SAG Awards since 1995 told the NY Times that she was inspired after attending the Women’s March in Washington DC in January. Her epiphany led her to assign every presenter role to a woman. “This is a unifying salute to women who have been very brave and speaking up.” Connell told the Hollywood Reporter.

Connell’s move stands out, especially in the wake of the Golden Globes lack of female nominees. However, she is certain that the show will maintain its integrity and not preach. Morgan Freeman will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Best Ensemble Cast Award will be presented by both males and females, the NY Times went on to say. “To me just having some of these fabulous women onstage sends its own message.” Connell added.