LOS ANGELES — The British monarchy saga “The King’s Speech” won the best-actor trophy Sunday for Colin Firth and a second honor for its overall cast at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
The two prizes capped a week- long surge of Hollywood honors for “The King’s Speech,” which is building momentum for the Feb. 27 Academy Awards, where the Facebook drama “The Social Network” previously had looked like the favorite.
Natalie Portman earned the best- actress award for “Black Swan,” while “The Fighter” co-stars Christian Bale and Melissa Leo swept the supporting-acting honors, boosting their own prospects come Oscar night.
“The King’s Speech” leads Oscar contenders with 12 nominations, among them best picture and actor for Firth.
Many winners had gushing words for the protection and fellowship that their union offers.
“I’ve been working since I was 11 years old, and SAG has taken care of me,” said Portman, who won for her role as a ballerina losing her grip on reality. “They made sure I wasn’t working too long and made sure I got an education while I was working.”
Leo, who plays the domineering matriarch of a boxing family in “The Fighter,” was speechless for a long moment after taking the stage.
“I’m much better when I have my words written for me and somebody’s costumes to put on,” Leo said. “This has been an extraordinary season for me.”
Betty White, who is having her own career resurgence in her 80s, won for TV comedy actress for “Hot in Cleveland.”
“I must say this is the biggest surprise I’ve ever had in this business. There wasn’t a prayer. I am so lucky to be . . . at 89, to be working,” White said, pausing as the crowd interrupted her with effusive applause. “You didn’t applaud when I turned 40.”
Complete list of winners
MOVIES
Actor: Colin Firth, “The King’s Speech.”
Actress: Natalie Portman, “Black Swan.”
Supporting actor: Christian Bale, “The Fighter.”
Supporting actress: Melissa Leo, “The Fighter.”
Cast: “The King’s Speech.”
Stunt ensemble: “Inception.”
TELEVISION
Actor in a movie or miniseries: Al Pacino, “You Don’t Know Jack.”
Actress in a movie or miniseries: Claire Danes, “Temple Grandin.”
Actor in a drama series: Steve Buscemi, “Boardwalk Empire.”
Actress in a drama series: Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife.”
Actor in a comedy series: Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock.”
Actress in a comedy series: Betty White, “Hot in Cleveland.”
Drama series cast: “Boardwalk Empire.”
Comedy series cast: “Modern Family.”
Stunt ensemble: “True Blood.”
Life Achievement: Ernest Borgnine.
