Awards season is that enchanting time of year when Hollywood’s elite come together to celebrate themselves while the rest of us watch—sometimes in admiration, other times in disbelief at their fashion choices.
This year’s SAG Awards brought the usual spectacle of glitz, glamour, and, of course, the inevitable snubs. But one omission, in particular, sent shockwaves through the ever-optimistic fanbase of a certain duchess. Once again, Meghan Markle found herself excluded, despite what one can only assume were her best efforts to manifest her way into the industry. Hollywood’s equivalent of an unsolicited LinkedIn request was left out in the cold. And who was the metaphorical bouncer at the door of the Shrine Auditorium? None other than the ever-charming and effortlessly likable Kristen Bell.
In the days leading up to the event, speculation swirled, as it always does when Meghan attempts to align herself with an A-list gathering. Rumors suggested she was in talks to present an award, sending the internet into a frenzy as many braced for the inevitable staged paparazzi shots—Meghan, pretending to be caught off guard while finalizing a gown with a designer no one had heard of. But as the night unfolded, she was nowhere to be found. The official excuse? A "scheduling conflict." Apparently, she was all set to present the Best Actress award and sit at the most coveted table—until, tragically, Archie had a private piano recital for the crocodiles at the zoo, accompanied by Lilibet on drums. You know, just another casual Tuesday in the Sussex household.
The reality, however, is far less amusing. Meghan wasn’t there for one simple reason: she wasn’t invited. Not overlooked, not sidelined due to security concerns—just outright omitted. And that, it seems, is Hollywood’s new approach to the Sussexes. Meghan’s days of breezing into industry events with the aura of a seasoned starlet are over—before they ever truly began. She has somehow managed the rare feat of being "over" in Hollywood without ever actually having been in Hollywood. It’s a rather impressive streak—consistently absent from every major industry event of significance. SAG Awards? No. Golden Globes? Not a chance. The Oscars? Let’s not be ridiculous.
Of course, the excuses were predictable. First, the aforementioned zoo recital. Next, we’ll likely hear about last-minute security concerns, a sudden desire to spend more time with family, or perhaps a conveniently unavailable paparazzi agency. After all, what’s the point of attending an awards show if there are no carefully curated photos to fuel tabloid speculation? And even if she had managed to secure an invitation, what exactly would she have done? Awkwardly loiter around celebrities who have no idea who she is? Pretend to wave at imaginary fans across the room? Insist on an over-the-top security entourage to create the illusion of importance? The secondhand embarrassment alone would have been overwhelming.
For years, many have predicted that Meghan Markle would never be invited to one of Hollywood’s premier award shows, and here we are—five years into her self-imposed royal rebellion, and the pattern remains unchanged. There are no desperate SAG executives pleading for her presence. No whispered Oscar invitations waiting in the wings. Just deafening silence. Because, at the end of the day, Hollywood has no interest in individuals who bring endless drama without the talent to justify it.
What makes the SAG Awards snub particularly entertaining is that, unlike other industry events, this one is personal. This isn't just about exclusivity—there’s actual history here. If Meghan was holding out hope for a grand Hollywood comeback, she may want to consider auditioning for The Masked Singer, because that’s probably the only stage willing to give her a shot. So, there you have it—another awards show, another Meghan-free event. And honestly, it's probably for the best. One can only imagine how exhausting it must be for Hollywood to keep avoiding her. Until next time, Meghan—or, more likely, never.
