The prize came a day after Argo won the top honour at the Producers Guild Awards, the winner of whose best film prize often goes on to win best picture at the Oscars.

BBC: Argo wins top Screen Actors Guild award

The controversy here has continued to increase now that Affleck and Argo have been on a serious hot streak, with both winning top honors at the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Directors Guild Awards, and Producers Guild Awards.

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The fact it focuses on real-life Hollywood producers saving the day probably has not done it any harm, and it has cleaned up at most major awards ceremonies so far, including the Baftas, Golden Globes, Producers Guild Awards and Directors Guild Awards.

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The film also became the first Bond film to be nominated for the top prize at the Producers Guild of America (PGA) Awards.

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This season's movie with momentum is crowd-pleaser "Argo, " which has been building steam with big prizes at ceremonies such as the Golden Globes, the Producers Guild and the Directors Guild of America Awards.

NPR: 'Argo' Named Best Film At Britain's Oscars

The SAG cast win came a day after "Argo" claimed the top honor from the Producers Guild of America, whose winner often goes on to claim best picture at the Academy Awards.

NPR: 'Argo,' Lawrence, Day-Lewis Win At SAG

Argo has emerged as the best picture favourite at the Academy Awards, after scooping the top prize at the Baftas and Golden Globes, in addition to awards from the Directors Guild of America, the Screen Actors Guild and the Producers Guild of America.

BBC: Argo and Zero Dark Thirty scoop Writers Guild awards