Chadwick Boseman has been posthumously honoured at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awards, putting his performance in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom in strong contention for the Oscars.

The rapid-fire SAG awards ceremony saw Boseman’s co-lead Viola Davis awarded for her work on the film, while the Netflix drama The Trial of the Chicago 7 took out best ensemble cast.

Boseman’s widow Simone Ledward-Boseman used his words to accept the award, which follows his win at the Golden Globes last month.

“If you see the world unbalanced, be a crusader that pushes heavily on the see-saw of the mind. That’s a quote by Chadwick Boseman,” she said.

The actor, best known for the leading role in Black Panther, died last year after a private battle with colon cancer.

The awards also saw Schitt’s Creek and The Crown sweep television categories, while Daniel Kaluuya, Jason Bateman and Anya Taylor-Joy received individual nods.

Australians Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman were nominated for Mrs America and The Undoing respectively. Photo: AAP

‘Korea’s Meryl Streep’ stunned by win

The online-only awards were broadcast in a condensed format, running for just an hour with few hiccups or surprises.

One of the night’s most emotional acceptance speeches came from veteran Korean actress Youn Yuh-jung, who appeared stunned to receive the gong.

Youn, who’s been described as South Korea’s Meryl Streep, was honoured for her work as a supporting actress in Minari, which tracks a Korean family’s attempts to flourish after moving to rural America.

“I don’t know how to describe my feelings – I’ve been recognised by westerners!’ a stunned Youn said.

“It’s a very big honour, especially by my actor fellows who chose me.”

The SAG awards are voted on by members of the main actor’s union in Hollywood, and are one of the leading sources of Oscar buzz.

The recognition for the South Korean comes after Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite swept the awards season last year, the first Korean film to do so.

During the ceremony, health workers were put at the forefront of some speeches, with Ozark star Jason Bateman using his speech for outstanding actor in a drama series to praise vaccination efforts.

“The biggest thank yous go to the healthcare workers that have tended to us all during this last year and the miracle work from scientists that have given us the vaccines,” he said.

“This is dedicated to them. Everybody go get your shot and let’s all get back to normal.”

The SAG awards are one of the last awards nights before the Academy Awards, which will be broadcast live on April 26 at 10am AEST.

-ABC