The 2026 Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, took place on Sunday, March 1, at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles. Hosted by Kristen Bell and streamed live on Netflix, the ceremony celebrated outstanding performances in film and television, with Keri Russell among the notable winners this year.
Highlights from the Renamed Actor Awards Ceremony
This event marked the first time the Screen Actors Guild Awards rebranded as the Actor Awards, aiming to clarify its mission of honoring achievements by actors in both film and television. The new name emphasizes the focus of the event for audiences worldwide. Harrison Ford received the prestigious SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award, presented by Woody Harrelson, joining a distinguished group of past honorees such as Jane Fonda, Sally Field, Barbra Streisand, Helen Mirren, Robert De Niro, and Morgan Freeman.
“We wanted to provide clearer recognition in terms of what the show is about for our domestic and global audiences: We honor actors in film and television,”
SAG-AFTRA official website
“Laser-focusing the name on those two things became the clearest and most straightforward path for this new chapter of the show.”
SAG-AFTRA official website
Leading Movie Performances Recognized
The top honors for male actors in leading roles went to Michael B. Jordan for his work in Sinners. On the female side, Jessie Buckley won for her portrayal in Hamnet. Sean Penn earned the award for outstanding male supporting actor in One Battle After Another, while Amy Madigan was recognized for her supporting role in Weapons.
The cast award for outstanding ensemble in a motion picture was granted to the Sinners cast, acknowledging the combined strength of their performances. Other nominees included the films Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and One Battle After Another.
Television Achievements Celebrated
In television movies and limited series, Owen Cooper and Michelle Williams won the awards for outstanding male and female performances, respectively, for Adolescence and Dying for Sex. Noah Wyle took home the award for male actor in a drama series for his role in The Pitt, while Keri Russell stood out as the winner for best female actor in a drama series, earning acclaim for her work in The Diplomat.
In comedy series, Seth Rogen received the award for outstanding male performance in The Studio, and Catherine O’Hara was honored as the best female actor for the same series. Notably, The Studio also won for outstanding ensemble in a comedy series, underscoring the show’s broad appeal.
Ensemble Honors Reflect Strong Cast Performances
The series The Pitt earned the top prize for outstanding drama ensemble, while The Studio won for comedy. These awards recognize the collaborative efforts of the casts across these shows, celebrated for their chemistry and compelling portrayals.
Recognition of Stunt Performances
The award for best stunt ensemble in a motion picture was given to Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Among television series, The Last of Us was recognized for its stunt ensemble, highlighting the skill and coordination behind the action sequences in these productions.
Significance and What’s Next for Actor Awards
This year’s Actor Awards continue to set a high standard for celebrating acting excellence across the entertainment industry. The rebranding aims to strengthen the show’s identity and broaden its appeal by clearly defining its core mission. With performers like Keri Russell earning recognition among an impressive roster of winners, the awards highlight the evolving talents shaping film and television. Future ceremonies are likely to build on this foundation, offering even greater visibility for actors across genres and platforms.
