The Screen Actors Guild named Matthew McConaughey best actor at its Los Angeles ceremony on January 18 while Cate Blanchett took top actress honours.

McConaughey’s performance as Ron Woodroof in Dallas Buyers Club follows his Golden Globe win last weekend and rounds out a perfect week that also brought an Oscar nomination.

The Texan must now be regarded as the favourite for the Academy Award on March 2.

Similarly Cate Blanchett is the one to beat for her acclaimed turn as Jasmine in Blue Jasmine, although she has led from the front throughout the season. The Australian actress enjoyed a similarly successful week with a Globe win and an Oscar nod.

Jared Leto made it a one-two for Dallas Buyers Club with his triumph in the supporting actor race for his role of Rayon, while Lupita Nyong’o of 12 Years A Slave prevailed in the supporting actress stakes for her performance as Patsey.

The cast of American Hustle took the SAG ensemble award in what could be a significant harbinger of Oscar success. The same fate befell the cast of Argo a year ago and that film went on to claim the best picture Oscar. The actors contingent forms a sizeable chunk of Academy membership.

Michael Douglas was named best male actor in a TV movie or mini-series for HBO’s Behind The Candelabra. The actor’s Liberace role earned a Golden Globe last weekend. Helen Mirren triumphed in the corresponding actress category for her performance as Linda Kenney Baden in HBO’s Phil Spector.

Lone Survivor claimed the stunt ensemble prize and the lifetime achievement award was presented to Rita Moreno.

For the full list of TV winners click here.