Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/964761
From left, Secretary-Treasurer Jane Austin, Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon, Felicity Huffman and President Gabrielle Carteris It was a festive atmosphere at the 24th Annual SAG Awards VALERIE MACON/AFP FOR SAG-AFTRA DIMITRIOS K AMBOURIS/GETTY IMAGES When the inaugural Screen Actors Guild Awards ® debuted on Feb. 25, 1995, Angela Lansbury opened the ceremony with the first I Am an Actor™ declaration. From then on, I Am an Actor™ became the Awards' signature opening sequence. Over the past two decades, the SAG Awards has developed a rich tradition of honoring actors' personal stories and experiences — highlighting not just a single moment of success, but the journey it takes to get there. As of 2018, more than 80 actors have told their stories during the show, proudly proclaiming "I am an actor." This year, the actors sharing their stories were all women, and included Allison Janney, Tracee Ellis Ross, Millie Bobby Brown, and the show's inaugural host, Kristen Bell. After sharing her story, Brown offered words of wisdom to aspiring performers everywhere. "To all the young girls, I believe in you. Believe in your dreams, follow your hearts," said Brown, closing with "I am an actor." These four words will continue to unite thousands of SAG-AFTRA members for years to come. I Am an Actor ™ Features All-Female Lineup