The 2026 SAG Awards, recently rebranded as the Actor Awards, unfolded on Sunday evening in Los Angeles with a mix of surprising triumphs and deeply emotional moments that captivated attendees and viewers alike. This year’s ceremony marked a significant shift in branding, moving away from the traditional Screen Actors Guild name to better emphasize its core mission of celebrating acting talent. With over 160,000 actors participating in the voting process, the awards continue to hold immense prestige within the entertainment industry.
One of the night’s most talked-about winners was Michael B. Jordan, who clinched the Best Male Actor in a Leading Role for his remarkable dual portrayal of twins in the critically acclaimed vampire thriller Sinners. His victory was particularly notable as he surpassed the heavily favored Timothée Chalamet, who had been widely expected to take home the award. In his acceptance speech, Jordan expressed heartfelt gratitude towards director and longtime collaborator Ryan Coogler, while also acknowledging the unwavering support from his fellow actors who have witnessed his journey from a young talent to a leading star. This win added to an already impressive weekend for Jordan, who also received the NAACP Image Award for Entertainer and Actor of the Year.
Adding to the success of Sinners, the film’s ensemble cast, which includes notable actors Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku, secured the prestigious Big Screen Ensemble Award. Speaking on behalf of the cast, Lindo described the project as “anointed,” emphasizing the unique and fortunate experience of being part of such a powerful cinematic journey. This recognition highlights the film’s strong collaborative spirit and the exceptional performances delivered by its entire cast.
Meanwhile, Jessie Buckley continued to solidify her status as a leading actress this awards season by winning the Best Female Actor in a Leading Role for her work in Chloé Zhao’s semi-fictionalized period drama Hamnet. Buckley’s victory came after her recent wins at the BAFTA and Golden Globe ceremonies, underscoring her consistent acclaim. During her acceptance, she shared that many individuals present in the room had profoundly influenced her, stating she had been “categorically changed” by their presence and support.
On the supporting actor front, Sean Penn was honored with the Best Supporting Male Actor award for his role in One Battle After Another, adding to his recent BAFTA win. Although Penn was not present to accept the award, his performance continues to receive widespread recognition. In a surprising turn, Amy Madigan took home the Best Supporting Female Actor award for her role in Weapons, overcoming the odds against favorite Teyana Taylor. Madigan, visibly moved, described the moment as an overwhelming honor, reflecting on her long and dedicated career in the industry.
Television categories also saw significant achievements, with Apple’s acclaimed industry comedy The Studio maintaining its momentum following major wins at the Emmys and Golden Globes. The series earned three awards, including the coveted Comedy Ensemble Award, triumphing over strong contenders such as The Bear and Only Murders in the Building. Co-creator Seth Rogen was awarded Best Male Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in the show. A particularly poignant moment came with the posthumous recognition of the late Catherine O’Hara for her outstanding performance. Rogen accepted the honor to a standing ovation, describing it as a “very sad honor” and praising O’Hara’s immense generosity and talent throughout her career.
The drama ensemble award was claimed by the breakout medical series The Pitt, which edged out popular shows like The White Lotus and Severance. Star Noah Wyle, who also won Best Male Actor in a Drama Series, used his acceptance speech to express immense pride in his colleagues and to emphasize the critical role of labor unions in protecting artists and workers within the entertainment industry.
Netflix’s hit limited series Adolescence continued its strong awards streak, with 16-year-old Owen Cooper winning Best Male Actor in a Limited Series, making him the youngest recipient in this category. Cooper, who recently appeared in Wuthering Heights, was unable to attend the ceremony. Michelle Williams earned Best Female Actor in a Limited Series for her role in Dying for Sex, marking her second Actor Award after previously winning in 2020 for Fosse/Verdon. She triumphed over co-star Erin Doherty, who had already secured Emmy and Golden Globe awards for the same role.
In another unexpected result, Keri Russell won Best Female Actor in a Drama Series for The Diplomat, her first win in this category. She outperformed strong contenders including Rhea Seehorn and stars from The White Lotus, Parker Posey and Aimee Lou Wood. The ceremony also featured a special tribute to Harrison Ford, who received the Life Achievement Award. Presented by Woody Harrelson, who lauded Ford as “a true renaissance man,” the veteran actor humorously remarked that the honor was simply for “being alive” before delivering a heartfelt speech in which he described himself as “a lucky guy.”
The awards for stunt ensembles went to Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning for film and The Last of Us for television, recognizing the outstanding physical performances that contribute to the excitement and realism of these productions. The ceremony was hosted by Kristen Bell, known for her role in Nobody Wants This, who opened the event by noting that the world could use “some levity” amidst challenging times. While the evening largely avoided political commentary, Wunmi Mosaku made a statement on the red carpet by wearing an “ICE out” pin and criticizing the agency as “atrocious.”
Reflecting on last year’s winners, the ceremony saw notable names such as Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldaña honored for film, alongside Anna Sawai, Jessica Gunning, Jean Smart, and Colin Farrell for television. Looking ahead, the Oscars, where Sinners leads the nominations, are scheduled for March 15, promising another exciting chapter in the awards season.
