Actor Awards 2026: Your guide to the rebranded SAG-AFTRA event, including where and when to stream it

While some parts of the country deal with freezing temperatures and blizzards, Los Angeles sits comfortably in the mid-70s.

Beyond the sunshine, the forecast calls for red carpets and celebrity gossip as award season is in full swing.

The newly rebranded Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA is arguably the most emotional and meaningful celebration of the season because it is where fellow performers honor their own.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 32nd iteration of the former Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards).

The opening monologues

While it’s easy to assume that being an actor is all glamour and glory, the opening monologues dispel that notion.

These emotional confessions share a more truthful, nuanced, and complex view of the highs and lows of pursuing a creative life.

The tradition started in 1995 with Angela Lansbury and evolved over the years into many performers both sharing their experiences and celebrating the craft.

It was Michael Keaton who added the now-famous line “I am an actor,” further elevating the tradition in 1996. These monologues are a signature feature of the ceremony, displaying humor, humility, and grit.

Who’s hosting?

Three is the magic number for Kristen Bell. This is the Nobody Wants This star’s third time hosting and her second-consecutive time being the master of ceremonies.

Bell’s signature dry wit and bubbly personality are a winning combination. While no other presenters have been officially announced as of this writing, audiences can expect to see Bridgerton’s Yerin Ha sharing behind-the-scenes moments as part of her duties as the event’s official ambassador.

Who’s nominated?

The Actor Awards honor the best performances in film and television.

The movie with the most nominations this year is One Battle After Another with the lucky number seven. The Paul Thomas Anderson flick is nominated in every category it’s eligible for—which is good news for Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn.

Ryan Coogler’s Sinners has five nominations, including for for Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku, and Miles Caton. Hamnet, Frankenstein, and Marty Supreme tied for third place with three nominations each.

This year, the actors’ union is not honoring performances in foreign-language films such as Sentimental Value and The Secret Agent, despite their Oscar nods. Many film critics consider this a snub.

From the small screen, The Studio received the most nominations, with five. This isn’t surprising since the Apple TV series starring Seth Rogen is all about movie executives, so its inside baseball nature makes it easy for those in the biz to adore.

The White Lotus and Adolescence received four nominations each. Visit the Actor Awards website for a full list of nominees.

Who’s receiving a Life Achievement Award?

Over his impressive career, Harrison Ford has gone on some pretty epic adventures—from space to archaeological digs to futuristic worlds.

The 83-year-old also show no signs of slowing down. He’s currently starring in the hit Apple TV series Shrinking, proving that comedic timing doesn’t have an age limit.

It’s no wonder SAG-AFTRA wants to honor the man who made Han Solo, Indiana Jones, and more come to life.

Is there a preshow?

Yes. It’s a Hollywood awards show, so celebs will absolutely walk the red carpet.

This year’s theme is “Reimagining Hollywood Glamour From the ’20s and ’30s.” Starting at 7 p.m. ET, hosts Paige DeSorbo and Scott Evans will narrate all the arrivals and fashion choices on Netflix.

Additionally, one award will be announced on the red carpet: Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture and Television Series.

Can I stream the SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards for free?

Having a Netflix subscription is the only way to see both the red carpet and awards ceremony.

The main event takes place on Sunday, March 1, at 8 p.m. ET. It will stream live from the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

View the full article