Crafting an acceptance speech requires a specific formula — one that balances gratitude, acknowledgement of those who took a chance on you and appreciation for those guiding you now, all while racing against the music that signals your time is up.

Last week, the 31st installment of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards streamed live on Netflix and featured winners in 15 categories.

While I expected more of the same performative, cookie-cutter speeches typical of award shows, a few stood out — making headlines the next day.

The SAG Awards differ from any other award show. As the only event exclusively honoring actors, the awards serve as a precursor to the Oscars, shining a spotlight on potential winners.

The first award of the night went to Kieran Culkin for outstanding performance by a male actor in a supporting role for his work in “A Real Pain.”

His speech radiated his nervous, witty energy, making it fitting that he used humor to express the significance of his achievement.

Culkin remarked on the weight of the award and how no one could possibly hold it for 45 seconds, impulsively taking a shot at Adrien Brody about the “allotted time” for acceptance speeches and immediately apologized.

While some speeches seem insincere or imitative, his was anything but. In all his remarks, Culkin displays such a strong level of vulnerability and unique openness that translates to the characters he plays. 

His hilarious rambling was a breath of fresh air in a room filled with immense pressure and Hollywood big shots.

Later in the night, Timothée Chalamet made history as the youngest winner of best actor in a leading role for his powerful portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown.”

He did what most actors shy away from — a refreshingly candid speech, where Chalamet shared an unfiltered honesty about the impact of dedicating five and a half years to portraying a character he called a “true American hero.”

Since his win was unexpected, his speech was one of pure determination.

“I know we’re in a subjective business, but the truth is, I’m really in pursuit of greatness,” Chalamet said. “I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats.”

He lists off legendary actors he hopes to live up to, including Daniel-Day Lewis, Marlon Brando and Viola Davis. But he didn’t stop there — Chalamet reached beyond the arts with names like Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps, to underscore his ambition to be remembered not just in film, but in history.

Chalamet received some backlash for his speech, but his authenticity is truly inspiring. Why shouldn’t he strive for more? Should he be ashamed of being dedicated to his craft?

The night’s biggest award came with its most powerful speech — Jane Fonda’s inspiring words as she accepted the SAG life achievement award were unforgettable.

Sometimes, you hear something and instantly know it’s a classic. This was one of those moments and proof that she will go down as one of the greatest public advocates of our time.

Fonda has always paired acting with activism, so it should be no surprise that her speech was as poised and gutsy as she is.

She has a long history in activism, has been arrested multiple times for protesting and even earned the nickname “Hanoi Jane” for speaking out against the Vietnam War.

Her speech wasn’t inherently political — it was a plea for empathy. She urged everyone listening that now is the time to take action and help change the world in a moment that will go down in the history books.

Fonda mentions that “we are living our documentary moment,” referencing the current political divide; the intense change and turmoil shaping our country.

She redefines or clarifies what it means to be “woke” in today’s world, stating simply that being woke just means caring about other people.

Fonda connected the work actors do, tapping into a character’s humanity and the ability to connect with and help people in the world, fostering empathy for those suffering around us.

“So let’s be brave,” she said. “We must not isolate. We must stay in community. We must help the vulnerable. We must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future — one that is beckoning, welcoming.”

She was nothing short of inspiring and everything people need to hear in a time like this.

The SAG awards prove that speeches have power. In a space that reaches thousands of viewers, using your voice with purpose carries immense value.

When it’s your time to take the mic, it’s important to not just celebrate your success, but uplift others, spark change and leave a lasting impact.