The 2026 SAG Awards, now officially renamed the Actor Awards, unfolded on Sunday evening in Los Angeles, delivering a night filled with both surprising victories and touching tributes. This annual event, which celebrates outstanding performances in film and television, saw Michael B. Jordan, Jessie Buckley, and the late Catherine O’Hara emerge as some of the most notable winners. The ceremony’s fresh branding aims to more clearly emphasize its dedication to actors, a change welcomed by the industry’s 160,000 voting members.
Michael B. Jordan took home the coveted award for Best Male Actor in a Leading Role, a recognition for his remarkable portrayal of twins in the vampire thriller Sinners. His win was particularly striking as he edged out the widely favored Timothée Chalamet, who had been considered the frontrunner. In his acceptance speech, Jordan expressed heartfelt gratitude towards director Ryan Coogler, a longtime collaborator, and acknowledged the unwavering support from his fellow actors who have witnessed his journey from the beginning. This accolade added to a triumphant weekend for Jordan, who also secured the NAACP Image Award for Entertainer and Actor of the Year, underscoring his rising influence in Hollywood.
The ensemble cast of Sinners, featuring talents like Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku, was also honored with the prestigious Big Screen Ensemble Award. Delroy Lindo, accepting on behalf of the group, described the project as “anointed” and expressed deep appreciation for being part of such a meaningful cinematic experience. This recognition highlights the film’s strong collaborative spirit and the powerful performances that resonated with both audiences and peers alike.
Jessie Buckley continued her impressive streak this awards season by winning Best Female Actor in a Leading Role for her work in Chloé Zhao’s semi-fictionalized period drama Hamnet. Buckley’s victory came amidst stiff competition from acclaimed actresses Emma Stone and Rose Byrne. In a moving speech, she shared how her interactions with many in the audience had profoundly transformed her, underscoring the communal and inspiring nature of the acting profession.
On the supporting actor front, Sean Penn was recognized as Best Supporting Male Actor for his role in One Battle After Another, adding to his recent BAFTA win. Although Penn was not present to receive the award, his performance continues to garner critical acclaim. Meanwhile, Amy Madigan’s win for Best Supporting Female Actor in Weapons was one of the evening’s surprises, as she triumphed over the favored Teyana Taylor. Madigan, who has had a long and distinguished career, expressed genuine humility and emotion, describing the moment as both overwhelming and deeply meaningful.
Television awards saw Apple’s industry satire The Studio maintain its momentum following major wins at the Emmys and Golden Globes. The show captured three awards, including the Comedy Ensemble Award, triumphing over previous winners such as The Bear and Only Murders in the Building. Seth Rogen, co-creator of the series, also earned Best Male Actor in a Comedy Series, while the late Catherine O’Hara received a rare posthumous honor for her outstanding performance. Rogen accepted O’Hara’s award to a standing ovation, describing it as a “very sad honor” and praising her generosity and immense talent, which left a lasting impact on colleagues and fans alike.
The drama ensemble prize was awarded to the breakout medical series The Pitt, which bested strong contenders like The White Lotus and Severance. Star Noah Wyle, who also won Best Male Actor in a Drama Series, took the opportunity during his speech to emphasize the critical importance of labor unions, reflecting ongoing conversations about workers’ rights within the entertainment industry. His heartfelt remarks resonated with many in attendance, highlighting the social responsibilities that come with artistic success.
Netflix’s hit limited series Adolescence added to its growing list of accolades when 16-year-old Owen Cooper won Best Male Actor in a Limited Series, making him the youngest recipient ever in this category. Cooper, who recently appeared in Wuthering Heights, was unable to attend the ceremony but his win signals a promising future for the young actor. Michelle Williams also earned recognition for Best Female Actor in a Limited Series for her role in Dying for Sex, marking her second Actor Award after her 2020 triumph for Fosse/Verdon. She edged out co-star Erin Doherty, who had already secured Emmy and Golden Globe wins for the same role.
In another unexpected outcome, Keri Russell won Best Female Actor in a Drama Series for The Diplomat, her first win in this category. She overcame formidable competition from Rhea Seehorn as well as The White Lotus stars Parker Posey and Aimee Lou Wood. The evening also celebrated Hollywood legend Harrison Ford, who received the Life Achievement Award. Presented by Woody Harrelson, who lauded Ford as a “true renaissance man,” the veteran actor joked that the honor was simply for “being alive” before delivering an emotional speech in which he described himself as “a lucky guy,” reflecting on his enduring career and personal journey.
The stunt ensemble awards recognized the high-octane efforts behind the scenes, with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning winning for film and The Last of Us taking the television prize. The ceremony, hosted by Kristen Bell—known for her role in Nobody Wants This—was streamed live on Netflix. Bell opened the night by noting the world’s need for “some levity,” setting a tone of celebration and lightheartedness despite the often intense nature of awards shows.
While the event largely steered clear of overt political statements, Wunmi Mosaku made a notable appearance on the red carpet wearing an “ICE out” pin, openly criticizing the agency as “atrocious.” This moment underscored the ongoing intersection of art and activism within the industry. Reflecting on last year’s winners, which included Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldaña in film, and Anna Sawai, Jessica Gunning, Jean Smart, and Colin Farrell in television, the 2026 Actor Awards continue to highlight the evolving landscape of talent and storytelling.
Looking ahead, the Academy Awards, where Sinners leads with multiple nominations, are scheduled for March 15. The momentum generated by this year’s Actor Awards sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive Oscars season.
