Headline: The 31st Annual SAG Awards: A Celebration of Actors and Los Angeles

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Introduction:
The 31st Annual SAG Awards, the prestigious ceremony that exclusively recognizes the exceptional work of actors, is set to take place on Sunday, February 23. Broadcast from the Shrine Exposition Hall and streamed live on Netflix, the event will be a heartfelt tribute to Los Angeles, the entertainment industry's epicenter.

Awards and Nominations:
"Wicked" leads the film nominations with a record-breaking five nods, while "Shōgun" has garnered an impressive five nominations on the television side. The coveted SAG Life Achievement Award will be presented to Jane Fonda, joining a distinguished list of previous honorees that includes Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Barbra Streisand.

Significance of the SAG Awards:
"Receiving a SAG Award symbolizes an actor's journey," says executive producer Jon Brockett. "It is a validation from over 118,000 eligible SAG-AFTRA voters, peers who truly appreciate the art, challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs of our craft." The awards highlight the power of performance and recognize actors exclusively in front of the camera, making it one of the most concise and focused award ceremonies.

Hosting and Format:
While the SAG Awards typically feature presenters rather than a singular host, this year's ceremony will be emceed by Kristen Bell, who made history as the inaugural host in 2018. Bell's exceptional wit and charm will enhance the event's engaging and uplifting format, which includes live comedy, heartfelt video packages, and uninterrupted acceptance speeches.

Los Angeles Tribute:
The recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles prompted the nomination announcement to be held virtually, and the SAG Awards will address the tragedy during the ceremony. "Los Angeles is the heartbeat of the entertainment industry," says Brockett, "and we will honor its resilience and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's ongoing support for artists in need."

Ensemble Recognition:
The SAG Awards uniquely celebrate ensembles, highlighting the collective efforts of actors in film and television. The evening will feature the beloved "I Am an Actor" stories, wherein actors share their inspiring journeys from humble beginnings to finding their place in the entertainment world.

Awards Ceremony Details:

* What: The 31st Annual SAG Awards
* When: February 23, 5 p.m. PT
* Where: The Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, and streaming on Netflix
* Official Website: sagawards.org