The cast of the 1970s crime caper "American Hustle" took the top prize from the Screen Actors Guild on Saturday (January 18) in a key test of the film's Oscar position in the competitive race for the Academy Awards.

"American Hustle" from director David O. Russell has been hailed for its performances, although it won no individual acting awards on Saturday and only Jennifer Lawrence was nominated for her supporting role. It prevailed over another presumed Oscar frontrunner, "12 Years a Slave."

SOUNDBITE: Cate Blanchett, SAG best actress winner, saying (English):

"For those who didn't vote for me, better luck next year."

Cate Blanchett won best actress for her role in Woody Allen's "Blue Jasmine," while best actor went to Matthew McConaughey for his turn as an unlikely AIDS activist in "Dallas Buyers Club."

McConaughey's co-star Jared Leto won best supporting actor for his role as his transsexual side-kick, while another first-time winner, Kenyan actress Lu