SAG 2012: Quotes from the stars

Actors “don’t get into this business preoccupied by awards. If we did, we wouldn’t last five minutes.”  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

“Oh my God. I haven’t been to the gym in too long!” [A comment on the apparent heft of her trophy.}  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

“I’m still scared to speak up [on politics.] I want Season 7 [of ’30 Rock’] really badly. When you do speak out, it does cost you. The people that are the greatest film stars today and have the most potent careers are ones you know nothing about. They’re very sanitized. And maybe I should have been more like that.”  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

“The best compliment I think I was ever paid was my idol Sam Laurel said he would like for me to play him in his life story. That was the biggest kick I ever had.”   (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

“Usually [award shows other than the concise SAG Awards] go on for three or four hours and it’s just too much.”   (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

“Hopefully one day [‘Modern Family’] will be thought of on that level {with ‘Mary Tyler Moore’ and ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show.’] But that’s a long time away.”   (Frederic J. Brown / AFP / Getty Images)

Her celebration routine “is always carpe diem, because these are lovely things that you never take for granted.... [As a server,] I worked the Governors Ball for the Oscars, I think, so I always say, ‘By the way, I was you.’”   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

He’d appreciate hearing from another actor: “ ‘Great work, complex work.’ ... These people here are all an inspiration to me by the work that they do on TV or film, so whether they say that or not, you know, I’m always inspired by their work.”   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

“Being in two casts [‘The Office’ and ‘Bridesmaids,’ both nominated in ensemble categories], I get double everything. I drove here in two cars.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Nominated for his role as Monty Beragon on “Mildred Pierce,” Pearce said he doesn’t spend too much time thinking about awards show praise. “I don’t get proud,” he said. “I’m always trying to do better work, I suppose.”  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Bialik was at the SAG Awards with her peers on “The Big Bang Theory,” a role that started as a guest spot and turned into a regular gig. “It’s been an actor’s dream, to do something that might be a one-shot and have it turn into an eventual contract and your name in the front credits,” she said.

While “The Big Bang Theory” lost to “Modern Family” for ensemble cast in a comedy series, Bialik didn’t have plans to stay out late with her castmates regardless. “Go to sleep,” she said, when asked if she had post-awards show plans. “I have two little boys. We just flew in from Florida this morning and one of them has a stomach bug.”   (Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images)

The veteran actress, who could be seen in this year’s film “The Help,” said 2011 was one of the most inspiring years in the business for women. “It’s the first year that I can remember that so many women have been nominated in both lead and supporting actors categories. We have made the box office pop and the industry never thought that could happen.”   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Although the HBO show “Boardwalk Empire” has won the SAG award for TV drama series ensemble for two years in a row -- with Steve Buscemi also taking home the statue for male actor in a drama series this year -- Buscemi, who has long been lauded for his skill as a character actor, doesn’t feel like a leading man.

“I still feel like a character actor,” the actor said backstage, surrounded by the show’s cast. “For me its being part of that ensemble that matters. For me the show is Atlantic City. We all live and work there and Nucky does run things, but there are plenty of people who want that job as well.”  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

What makes for a good ensemble? It’s the writing, of course.

“Someone else writes the words,” said Gretchen Mol, who plays the blond bombshell of a showgirl, Gillian Darmody on “Boardwalk Empire.” The HBO series was honored for ensemble performance for a drama series.

“It’s always a surprise from week to week. At the end of the day, it’s really the writers in that room. I don’t know how they come up with what they do. It’s so bold and scary and I don’t know how they get away with it.”   (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Viola Davis found it strange that she beat out so many acclaimed actors to win the award for female actor in a leading role for her role in “The Help,” especially veteran star Meryl Streep.

“Every time I start a new job, I feel like I start with a clean slate,” she said. “I feel like everyone is going to find out what a hack I am. And it’s strange to triumph over Meryl Streep. It’s like I bought some more time until I suck in my next role.”  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

When asked what was next for the man who won male actor Dujardin blushed, “I have to learn English. It’s difficult, my English is rusty, but maybe -- I’m not a prophet. Maybe another silent movie in America.”  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Moore enchanted the audience, telling the tale of how her trademark show business name came to be. Told to change her name-- there were already too many Mary Moores -- she remembered thinking: “I can’t change my name. ... What would my father say?” Then she realized she could add her her middle name of Tyler, which was also her father’s middle name. A star was born.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)