31st Screen Actors Guild Awards: David Chang Tapped as Executive Chef; Rashida “SHEEDZ” Olayiwola and Louis Virtel Named Head Writers

The 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards has added to its formidable creative team, naming celebrated chef David Chang Executive Chef and writer, actor, and producer Rashida “SHEEDZ” Olayiwola (2024 BET Awards, Soul Train Awards) and writer, comedian, and pop culture commentator Louis Virtel (Jimmy Kimmel Live!, 2024 Academy Awards) as Writers of the show. The SAG Awards, produced by Silent House Productions in partnership with SAG-AFTRA, will stream live globally on Netflix Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT from the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall.

For the first time, Chang will curate a menu that reflects his signature approach to food, blending bold flavors with creative storytelling. This collaboration will feature a mix of Momofuku favorites and new dishes created exclusively for the event.

“I’m beyond thrilled to bring something special to the table at this year’s Screen Actors Guild Awards,” says Chef David Chang. “Food, like film and television, has the power to connect people and tell a story. I’ve always believed food is best enjoyed at a celebration, and what better place than this iconic evening of creativity and talent.”

Chang, an acclaimed chef, television personality, and best-selling author, will oversee the menu for his first awards show. Since opening his first restaurant in 2004, he has received six James Beard Awards and is a Time 100 honoree. He is the host of Netflix’s “Dinner Time Live and Ugly Delicious,” as well as “The Dave Chang Show” and Recipe Club podcasts on Spotify.

Olayiwola, writer for the 31st Annual SAG Awards, worked as a writer and actor on the critically acclaimed MAX series “South Side,” as well as IFC/AMC’s “Sherman’s Showcase,” both of which hit 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Olayiwola has written for a handful of awards shows including the 2024 Emmy’s and 2024 BET Awards where she was the second black woman to act as Head Writer. In the world of stand-up Olayiwola has opened for Arsenio Hall, Hannibal Burress, Aida Rodriguez, and Michael Che, amongst others. 

Virtel, writer for the 31st Annual SAG Awards, is currently a writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and has contributed to telecasts hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, such as the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards and the 95th and 96th Academy Awards ceremonies. Virtel has also co-hosted the Crooked Media podcast Keep It!, since 2018. 

Award-winning actress and producer Kristen Bell will host the annual ceremony, and legendary actress and activist Jane Fonda will be presented with the Life Achievement Award, SAG-AFTRA’s highest honor.