The only televised awards shows to exclusively honor performers, it presents thirteen awards for acting in film and television in a fast moving two hour show which airs live on TNT. The awards focus on both individual performances as well as on the work of the entire ensemble of a drama series and comedy series, and the cast of a motion picture. These awards are fundamental to the spirit of the Screen Actors Guild Awards because they recognize what all actors know – that acting is a collaborative art.

The Screen Actors Guild Awards are also unique in the size of its voting body. Two randomly selected panels of 2100 SAG members from across the United States select the nominees for television and motion pictures. The final ballot then goes out to the entire active membership of the Guild, approximately 98,000 members, who select the outstanding performances of the year.

The Screen Actors Guild Awards is the only national network television show to acknowledge the work of union members. Screen Actors Guild is affiliated with the AFL-CIO through the Associated Actors and Artistes of America (the Four A's).

A four hour 'pre-show' was carried by E! Channel and focused on celebrity arrivals and behind-the-scenes activities. It was hosted by Melissa Rivers, Todd Newton and Patrick Stinson.

Kate's arrival on the red carpet caused a sensation! These 5 pics are 'captures' I made:

These are photos from Reuters and AP (click on 'thumbnails' to enlarge):

These pics are from Ezuma: