The Screen Actor Guild Awards have undergone a significant transformation, officially adopting the new name “Actor Awards” as they prepare for their 32nd annual ceremony. This rebranding effort, spearheaded by SAG-AFTRA, aims to more accurately represent the essence of the awards show, which stands out as the only major industry event where the winners are chosen exclusively by actors themselves. The change reflects a desire to strengthen the connection between the award’s identity and its unique voting process.
The updated title, “The Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA,” draws inspiration directly from the ceremony’s iconic statuette, long known simply as “The Actor.” This symbolic figure has been a hallmark of the event since its inception, and the union’s decision to align the event’s name with the statuette underscores the central role actors play in honoring their peers in both film and television. SAG-AFTRA emphasized that this rebranding does not alter the fundamental aspects of the event; the voting body remains composed solely of actors, and the categories and format will continue unchanged.
It is worth noting that the announcement of this name change was first made public in November 2025. At that time, SAG-AFTRA highlighted the growing international audience for the awards, fueled in large part by a strategic streaming partnership with Netflix. This global expansion made it an opportune moment to formalize the connection between the award’s name and the event itself, enhancing brand clarity for viewers worldwide.
Looking ahead to this year’s ceremony, the event is scheduled to stream live on March 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time exclusively on Netflix. The show will be hosted by acclaimed actress Kristen Bell, who brings her signature charm and wit to the evening. One of the highlights of the night will be the presentation of the prestigious Life Achievement Award to veteran actor Harrison Ford, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry over several decades.
In terms of nominations, the film “One Battle After Another” leads the pack with an impressive seven nods, followed closely by “Sinners,” which has garnered five nominations. On the television front, “The Studio” stands out with five nominations, while both “Adolescence” and “The White Lotus” have each earned four nods, signaling strong competition in the small screen categories. These nominations reflect a diverse range of storytelling and performances that have captivated audiences and critics alike over the past year.
Overall, the rebranding to Actor Awards marks a new chapter for this esteemed event, reinforcing its commitment to celebrating the craft of acting through a peer-driven process. As the ceremony approaches, anticipation is building among industry insiders and fans worldwide, eager to see who will take home the coveted statuettes and how the refreshed identity will resonate with a global audience.
