Kristen Bell’s Charming “Frozen” Moment at the SAG Awards
Kristen Bell Channels “Frozen” Character Anna in SAG Awards Opening Performance Imagine the scene: a glamorous awards ceremony, but with a twist of whimsical fun. That’s exactly what happened at the 2025 SAG Awards when Kristen Bell, beloved actress and voice of Anna in Frozen, took center stage in a lively Do You Want to Be an Actor? musical number. In a playful homage to her famous role, Bell channeled the spirited and optimistic Anna, singing and dancing her way through a catchy performance that added an extra layer of excitement to the evening.
But what made this musical opener so memorable? Was it just the nostalgia of Frozen, or did Kristen Bell’s performance showcase the passion and energy actors bring to their craft? Let’s take a closer look at the performance and its impact.
Kristen Bell kicked off the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards with a hilarious and touching monologue, setting the tone for an unforgettable night of celebration. The 44-year-old actress opened the February 23 show with her signature charm, including a fun musical number that channeled her beloved character Anna from Frozen. Bell sang a delightful version of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” with new lyrics celebrating the ups and downs of the acting world.
“Do you want to be an actor?” Bell sang as a montage of the evening’s nominees played on the big screens at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall. The montage showcased clips of the nominees in their early roles, while Bell’s lyrics highlighted the challenges and rewards of being an actor. “It can be a bumpy ride. Sometimes there’s no stability. Put aside your pride. But everybody started somewhere as we do,” she sang, as stars like Jodie Foster, Zoe Saldaña, Jeff Goldblum, and Kieran Culkin watched their younger selves on screen.
A Lighthearted Start to the Show
The SAG Awards telecast, streaming on Netflix, began with a humorous pre-taped segment featuring the cast of Hacks, where Jean Smart’s character, Deborah Vance, reacts to the news that Bell, rather than her, would be hosting the show. The Good Place star took to the stage after the segment and playfully apologized to Smart for stealing the hosting gig.
Bell continued her heartfelt monologue, speaking directly to the audience: “I just want to say everyone in this room, and I do mean everyone, including the camera operators, started out as a kid in ‘Somewhere, Earth,’ going to bed and waking up every morning thinking, ‘It’s going to be me.’” She added, “There are a lot of birthday candles and pennies in fountains across the globe that all hold this shared dream. And that is to be a working artist. And it’s a beautiful thing.”
Acknowledging Challenges and Celebrating Los Angeles
Bell also took a moment to acknowledge the challenges Los Angeles has faced, especially in the wake of devastating wildfires. “The city has been put through the ringer,” she said, while also recognizing the brave members of the Los Angeles Fire Department attending the awards in recognition of their efforts. “Though this room is full of sparkles and glamour and also what the kids are calling ‘riz,’ the most attractive tables I need to point out are right over there,” she humorously pointed to the tables filled with firefighters.
Kristen Bell: Returning to the Stage
This marks Bell’s return to hosting after becoming the first-ever host of the SAG Awards in 2018. Since then, she has gone on to host other major events, including the People’s Choice Awards in 2018 and the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 2020.
This year, Bell is also nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her role in the Netflix rom-com Nobody Wants This, alongside her co-star Adam Brody, who earned a nomination in the Male Actor category. Bell’s competition for the award includes Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary), Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear), Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), and Jean Smart (Hacks).
The SAG Awards Amid California’s Crisis
In January, Bell had expressed concerns about the awards taking place amid the deadly wildfires that tore through Southern California. She initially felt it would be inappropriate to hold such an event in light of the devastation. “It felt very superfluous to have an awards show,” she shared with PEOPLE earlier this month. “I felt, ‘We should cancel all of the awards this year and donate all of the money!’”
However, after reflecting on the economic impact of awards season, Bell changed her mind. “I realized, ‘Wait a minute. If you cancel the awards shows, you are canceling hundreds of hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs for people in Los Angeles who need them.’” She noted how gig workers, musicians, hairstylists, makeup artists, drivers, caterers, and tech workers all rely on the awards industry for employment, making the event vital for the local economy.
Kristen Bell’s “Frozen” Anna: A Fan-Favorite Return
Fans of Frozen know Anna as a character full of energy, optimism, and boundless enthusiasm. Kristen Bell’s portrayal of the animated princess won hearts worldwide, and she’s continued to bring joy to audiences through her voice acting in the Frozen franchise. At the 2025 SAG Awards, she brought Anna’s infectious spirit to life once again during the musical opener, Do You Want to Be an Actor?
- Why Anna? The choice to channel Anna for the performance was a nod to the fun and adventurous nature of acting, something Bell embodies in her career.
- Musical Opener Fun: The musical number served as an upbeat introduction to the ceremony, setting a lighthearted tone that celebrated the art of acting with a playful twist.
The Performance: What Made It Special?
Kristen Bell’s performance wasn’t just about singing and dancing—though she certainly did both with flair. It was an interactive, energetic moment that captured the essence of what makes the SAG Awards unique. The number had several standout moments, including:
- Catchy Lyrics: The song Do You Want to Be an Actor? was a playful riff on the famous Frozen song Do You Want to Build a Snowman?, blending a familiar tune with clever lyrics about the craft of acting.
- Engaging the Audience: Bell’s performance was designed to engage the audience, both in the room and at home. Her infectious enthusiasm reminded viewers of the joy and creativity actors bring to the screen.
A Tribute to Actors and Their Craft
Beyond the nostalgia, Kristen Bell’s performance was a celebration of acting itself. It highlighted how actors, like Anna, go through journeys of self-discovery and commitment to their craft, all while maintaining a sense of joy. The song and her performance embodied this idea, offering a tribute to the hardworking professionals in the industry.
- Honoring the Craft: The performance was a reminder of the emotional and creative energy actors invest in bringing characters to life.
- Celebrating Collaboration: It was also a nod to the collaborative nature of the acting profession—actors, directors, and crews all work together to bring stories to the screen.
Why the SAG Awards Musical Opener Stands Out
The SAG Awards are known for their fun, celebratory tone, and Kristen Bell’s musical opener only added to this reputation. Unlike other more traditional award shows, the SAG Awards often showcase performances that reflect the camaraderie and creativity in Hollywood. This opener brought an exciting and memorable moment that reminded us of the magic that actors bring to the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Kristen Bell perform as Anna from Frozen at the SAG Awards?
Bell channeled Anna to celebrate the playful, energetic spirit of acting while adding a fun twist to the musical opener at the SAG Awards.
2. What was the song Kristen Bell performed at the SAG Awards?
She performed Do You Want to Be an Actor?, a musical number inspired by her Frozen character Anna and set to a melody similar to Do You Want to Build a Snowman?.
3. How did Kristen Bell engage the audience in her performance?
Bell’s performance was interactive and energetic, with lyrics about the acting profession and her lively stage presence, creating a memorable moment for the audience.
4. How did Kristen Bell’s performance reflect the SAG Awards spirit?
The performance was playful, energetic, and a celebration of actors and the creative process, perfectly matching the SAG Awards’ festive and inclusive atmosphere.
5. What is the significance of the SAG Awards musical opener?
The opener is a unique aspect of the SAG Awards, offering a chance to celebrate the art of acting and entertain audiences in a fun, unconventional way.
6. What was the reaction to Kristen Bell’s performance at the SAG Awards?
Bell’s performance was well-received, adding excitement and charm to the evening and showcasing her versatile talents as an actress and performer.
Conclusion
Kristen Bell’s performance at the 2025 SAG Awards was more than just a nostalgic nod to Frozen—it was an energetic, fun, and heartfelt tribute to the art of acting. Her portrayal of Anna reminded us of the passion and joy actors bring to their craft, while her lively musical number set the tone for an evening of celebration. The performance not only honored the craft of acting but also showcased Kristen Bell’s dynamic range as a performer.
