Jessica Gunning’s 2025 SAG Award Speech: What Did She Say That Left Everyone Speechless?

On February 23, 2025, Jessica Gunning stepped into the spotlight at the 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards in Los Angeles, clutching her award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for her haunting portrayal of Martha in Netflix’s Baby Reindeer. Beating out heavyweights like Jodie Foster, Cate Blanchett, and Kathy Bates, Gunning’s heartfelt acceptance speech stole the night, blending gratitude, disbelief, and a touch of nostalgia. This article uncovers every word she shared on stage and beyond, revealing why her victory—and her words—resonated so deeply with fans and peers alike at the 2025 SAG Awards.

What Did Jessica Gunning Say in Her SAG Award Acceptance Speech?

Jessica Gunning’s speech was a masterclass in authenticity. As she took the stage at the Shrine Auditorium, her adrenaline-fueled excitement was palpable. “Honestly, genuinely, this means the world to me, so thank you so very, very much,” she began, her voice trembling with emotion. She reflected on her early career, saying, “When I first started acting, I had an office job alongside acting for about eight years,” a relatable nod to her humble beginnings. Gunning then revealed a personal tidbit: she used to make “vision boards” of actors she admired—naming Cate Blanchett, Jodie Foster, and Kathy Bates, the very legends she’d just outshone.

“To be listed among them today… really means more to me than I can ever express,” she added, her sincerity shining through. She didn’t stop there. Gunning gave heartfelt shoutouts to Lily Gladstone and Cristin Milioti, her fellow nominees, praising their “performances that absolutely knocked my socks off.” Turning to Baby Reindeer, she thanked creator Richard Gadd “for making my dreams come true,” vowing, “I will never ever forget playing the part of Martha.” She wrapped up with love for her team and family back home, concluding, “This means the world to me.”

Why Did Gunning’s Mention of Vision Boards Strike a Chord?

Gunning’s reference to her vision boards wasn’t just a sweet anecdote—it was a powerful testament to manifestation. “Cate Blanchett, Jodie Foster, and Kathy Bates were on that vision board,” she said, marveling at the surreal full-circle moment of beating them for the SAG Award. This resonated widely, sparking chatter online about the power of dreaming big. Fans and commentators noted how her story turned a once “geeky” habit into an inspiring narrative of perseverance.

It was a reminder that Gunning, now 38, spent years grafting away at an office job while chasing her acting dreams—a journey that culminated in this triumphant night.

How Did Gunning Celebrate Her Baby Reindeer Role After the Win?

Post-speech, Gunning’s love for Baby Reindeer shone even brighter. Backstage, she told reporters, “I would wait another 17 years if I had to, to play Martha again,” emphasizing how the role—and the show—changed her life. She gushed about Richard Gadd, saying, “I’ll never forget her, or you, or any of this time. I’ve loved every second of it.”

Her emotional connection to Martha, a complex stalker character, underscored why her performance earned such acclaim, sweeping the Emmys, Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and now the SAG Awards in 2025. She also hinted at celebrating with her family, adding a personal touch to her victory lap.

What Made Gunning’s Win a Historic Moment at the 2025 SAG Awards?

Gunning’s victory wasn’t just personal—it was historic. Her SAG win completed an unprecedented awards season sweep for Baby Reindeer, a show that defied expectations with its raw storytelling. Beating icons like Foster, Blanchett, and Bates—plus Gladstone and Milioti—marked her as a standout talent in a fiercely competitive category.

The night itself was a triumph for limited series, with co-star Richard Gadd and Nava Mau also earning nods at parallel events like the Independent Spirit Awards. Gunning’s speech, paired with her gracious nods to her peers, cemented her as a beloved figure in this golden moment for TV.

Some Closing Thoughts: Why Jessica Gunning’s Words Will Inspire for Years

Jessica Gunning’s 2025 SAG Award speech was more than a thank-you—it was a love letter to her craft, her collaborators, and the dreams she dared to chase. From her office-job days to standing victorious among Hollywood giants, her journey and words lit up the Shrine Auditorium and beyond.

Her awe at beating her vision-board idols, her gratitude for Baby Reindeer, and her infectious joy left an indelible mark on the night.

As fans rewatch her speech and celebrate her sweep, Gunning’s story proves that authenticity and hard work can turn dreams into reality—a legacy that’ll echo far beyond February 23, 2025.

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