LOS ANGELES For Bette Midler and Sarah Paulson, making HBO's Coastal Elites in pandemic-forced isolation proved an unsettling challenge. I mean, what else could happen to me? Midler said during an online news conference Wednesday about the social satire. Midler said she welcomed the chance to take part in the project but couldnt ignore the oddity of making it. The connection actors share on a set is what Im usually the most interested in and inspired by, Paulson said. So its a little frightening.Midler said she did gain some emotional release from making the series.

This image released by Netflix shows Scarlett Johansson, left, and Adam Driver in "Marriage Story." On Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, Johansson was nominated for a Golden Globe for best actress in a motion picture drama for her role in the film. (Netflix via AP)

The SAG Awards are one of the most closely watched Academy Awards bellwethers because, historically, a best ensemble nomination from the actors is usually a prerequisite for any best-picture contender's resume. Notably missing out on the best ensemble nomination was Noah Baumbach's divorce drama “Marriage Story," which on Monday led the Golden Globe nominations with six nods. Johansson was nominated in that category, as well, for her performance in “Jojo Rabbit.”Recently, a SAG ensemble nomination hasn't been quite as vital for a best-picture winner at the Oscars. Nothing got more of a boost from the actors guild than “Bombshell,” which tied “The Irishman” and “Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood” with a co-leading four nominations. In best drama series ensemble, the actors nominated the casts of “Big Little Lies,” “The Crown," “Game of Thrones," “The Handmaid's Tale” and “Stranger Things."