Ben Affleck has directed as well as acted in Argo. The film marks his comeback after 2 years since the critically acclaimed The Town.
On the small screen, Downton Abbey and Modern Family were the big winners in the drama and comedy categories, respectively.
For Ben Affleck, who directed and starred in Argo, it was the second top prize in as many days after his film won the Producers Guild of America award, a key bellwether for Oscars glory, on Saturday night.
Argo caused a surprise by winning best picture and best director for Affleck at this month's Golden Globes, and is nominated in seven categories for the Oscars, scheduled to be held on February 24.
It tells the story of a daring CIA mission to rescue six US diplomats who took refuge at the Canadian embassy in Tehran during the 1979 hostage crisis, bringing them out disguised as crewmembers for a Hollywood sci-fi film.
Day-Lewis's SAG success will only increase his already-strong chances of winning the actor category at the Oscars, while Lawrence's success adds a dimension to her star status from worldwide blockbuster Hunger Games.