Clea DuVall, who played one of the trapped diplomats in "Argo," followed behind, clearly amped over the film's big win. Asked if she thinks it was an oversight that Affleck wasn’t nominated for a best director Oscar,  she said sharply, “He should have been nominated.”

“I don’t know what it proves,” she says, referring to the SAG Award. “Other than that this is very, very special.”

In the SAG photo booth, Goodman’s cummerbund rode up to mid-belly as he pushed in with the cast to fit into the frame. He mooed like a cow.

“This thing weighs 50 pounds, just shoot it and get it over with,” shouted Arkin.

“Yes, Ms. Landers,” crooned Goodman.

At this point, the cast was punch-drunk, giddy, ready to be done with the backstage grind. By the time they  entered the People magazine photo booth Affleck had caught his stride. Gone was the glazed look of shock; in its place was a warm confidence and a sense of calm and peace. He looked like a man who knows the value of what he’s earned and understands why he should be proud.

“Smile,” shouted a photographer.

“Alan Arkin says that in the ‘60s they didn’t smile,” said Affleck.

“What’s our next stop in the carnival?” asked Goodman.

Jennifer Garner, actress and wife of Affleck, appeared in a lovely gold gown by the general media room. She hugged her husband and they kissed warmly.

“This is such a huge deal for Ben.There were 120 speaking roles and he sweated over every choice. Being voted best ensemble cast by his peers is amazing," she said.

“I was proud when he wrapped the movie and was still friends with everyone in it. Now I’m just happy for him.”

Then, with the flash of several more cameras, it was over. How would Affleck celebrate?

“I don’t know, I’m gonna check with the boss,” he said of Garner. “It’s a date night for us. We don’t get too many of those so we’re gonna hang out and have a drink, maybe with these people.”

He signaled to the cast and then looked pointedly at Goodman.

“Or maybe we’ll just get a latte with John.”

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