SAG Awards 2012: We Pick The Winners

One of the biggest surprises coming out the Academy Award nominations from Tuesday (January 24) was how significant the SAG nominees ended up being. No SAG nomination for Albert Brooks in "Drive"? No Oscar nomination for Albert Brooks in "Drive."

It might be easy to dismiss them, but the SAG awards mean a great deal in the grand scheme of all things Oscars. The winners there often repeat later at the Academy Awards. When actors are choosing the winners, people pay attention.

Here are our picks for the Screen Actors Guild Awards:

Best Ensemble - "The Artist"
This film has two big factors going for it. It's all about how magical movies are, and it's silent. Actors have more respect for their own craft than anyone else, and part of that is honoring its origins. Not only is "The Artist" the front runner for Best Picture, but it's a movie Hollywood loves because it loves Hollywood.

Best Actor - Jean Dujardin in "The Artist"
Dujardin gets all of the benefits that "The Artist" has. His performance hearkens back to everything that made the pictures magical. It's the kind of role that SAG loves to celebrate.

Best Actress - Viola Davis in "The Help"
Let's call Meryl Streep's Golden Globes win a fluke. Viola Davis, along with some help from Octavia Spencer, carried "The Help," a movie that won't see much love outside of the actress categories.

Supporting Actor - Christopher Plummer in "Beginners"
Plummer is an acting legend in a role that embraces alternative lifestyles. That's simple award season arithmetic.

Supporting Actress - Melissa McCarthy in "Bridesmaids"
Megan simply stole the show in "Bridesmaids," and this award makes for the perfect opportunity for the guild to praise a comedic role.

Best Ensemble (Comedy Series) - "Modern Family"
TV's easiest show to love should have the easiest time reclaiming the award it won last year. With virtually the same field of competitors, a repeat shouldn't be a problem.

Best Ensemble (Drama Series) - "Game of Thrones"
As a true ensemble piece, "Game of Thrones" has the same advantage "Boardwalk Empire" had for its win last year, but tie goes to the newbie.

Best Actor in a Comedy Series - Steve Carell in "The Office"
Both the Emmys and the Golden Globes ruthlessly snubbed Carell after his final year as Michael Scott. Here's to hoping the guild will correct this egregious error.

Best Actress in a Comedy Series - Edie Falco in "Nurse Jackie"
Betty White got her obligatory award last year, and the "Modern Family" moms should cancel each other out. Falco will edge out Fey because of her more "dramatic" role in a comedy.

Best Actor in a Drama Series - Coach Taylor in "Friday Night Lights"
Yes, we're aware that his name is actually Kyle Chandler, but the two are one in the same. He cleared our eyes and filled our hearts for five years. It's time he wins every award possible.

Best Actress in a Drama Series - Jessica Lange in "American Horror Story"
It's Constance. She's new, creepy and crazy. "American Horror Story" was the only true water cooler show of the new season, and Lange played a large part in that.

Best Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries - Paul Giamatti in "Too Big to Fail"
Because he's Paul Giamatti.

Best Actress in a TV Movie or Miniseries - Kate Winslet in "Mildred Pierce"
Because she's Kate Winslet.

Who do you want to see win at the SAG Awards? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!

Tags Jean Dujardin, Oscars, Oscars 2012, SAG Awards, The Artist, The Help, Viola Davis