LOS ANGELES (January 29, 2007) — Winners of the Screen Actors Guild Awards shared a similar reaction when they collected their trophies backstage: “Wow, this is heavy.”
They may have been speaking figuratively about being honored by their peers, but the meaning was more likely literal: the bronze “Actor” statuettes weigh a hefty 12 pounds each.
The trophy table, tucked into a hallway at the Shrine Auditorium, was the stars’ first stop Sunday might after giving their acceptance speeches. Presented prop trophies on stage, each winner signed a form to claim their real statuette.
“It’s very, very heavy,” said Helen Mirren, who won for actress in a TV movie or miniseries and for her starring role in “The Queen.”
“It’s the heaviest of all,” she said. “It’s also the most beautiful.”
Mirren then raced to a backstage monitor to watch her “Elizabeth I” co-star, Jeremy Irons, accept his award for the HBO film. She waved at the screen while he gave his speech and rushed to congratulate him when he collected his trophy.
“Maybe we can have our photos taken together,” she said.
The 15-member cast of “The Office” swarmed the hallway after their comedy ensemble win. “This is 12 pounds of love,” Rainn Wilson said, picking up his Actor.
“Let’s make them kiss,” he said to co-star John Krasinski. The two put their trophies face to face.
America Ferrera, who won for her starring role in “Ugly Betty,” commented on the statue’s heft, as did Hugh Laurie of “House.”
“Grey’s Anatomy” star Chandra Wilson was doubly excited when she came backstage with her castmates.
“I won two in one night,” she beamed, celebrating the show’s drama ensemble victory and her win for female in a drama series. “Oh lord, I get two.”
Co-star Kate Walsh appreciated the Actor’s weight. “It’s heavy. I like it,” she said. “I like winning.”
A spontaneous lovefest erupted when the “Grey’s” cast ran into the stars of “The Office.” Wilson made his statue kiss Walsh’s, then turned to congratulate her co-star T.R. Knight. Meanwhile, fellow “Grey’s” star Sandra Oh pumped her award overhead as if lifting weights.
Forest Whitaker, who won for his performance in “The Last King of Scotland,” and Angela Kinsey of “The Office” each compared the trophy to a barbell.
Ferrera, clutching her award, was walking back into the theater when the cast of “Little Miss Sunshine” won for best ensemble.
“Yay! I love them,” she said.
Moments later, the “Sunshine” cast crowded around the trophy table.
“Do I just sign my name,” asked 10-year-old star Abigail Breslin.
“I signed Steve Carell’s name,” said co-star Greg Kinnear.
Carell, who also claimed a statue as a member of “The Office” cast, was overwhelmed with his double win.
“I don’t know what to do with them all,” he said, dabbing his forehead with a handkerchief.
As he followed his colleagues to the nearby press room, Carell got another recognition.
“Congratulations. I’m Harvey Weinstein,” the movie mogul said, shaking the actor’s hand as the two passed in the hallway.
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