The 2026 Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, took place on Sunday night at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, drawing Hollywood’s top talent for an event celebrating outstanding performances across film and television. The ceremony, renowned for honoring peer excellence, showcased a mix of established and rising stars competing for top honors in 28 categories. This year’s show carried heightened anticipation around the Michael B Jordan Actor Awards, with fans eager to see the actor’s prospects among a strong cast of nominees.
Hosted by Kristen Bell for the third time, the ceremony ran nearly three hours, providing a festive atmosphere where celebrities enjoyed mingling and celebrating achievements amid the awards presentations. Among the evening’s prominent nominees were Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, Michael B. Jordan, and Teyana Taylor, each contributing to the electric energy of the crowd.
Memorable Moments and Celebrity Interactions
Throughout the night, stars were observed socializing intimately, amplifying the sense of camaraderie in the industry. Timothée Chalamet captured attention as he admired his Marty Supreme co-star Gwyneth Paltrow, who was a striking presence in a black gown adorned with diamonds. Paltrow, widely regarded as a luminary of the evening, circulated freely and warmly connected with fellow icons like Demi Moore, sharing a close and private conversation before joining comedian Sandra Bernhard for laughter and lighthearted moments.
Michael B. Jordan appeared visibly stunned backstage moments after clinching the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, a win that surprised many given the fierce competition. He celebrated briefly with presenters Samuel L. Jackson and Viola Davis, who expressed their support and enthusiasm for his achievement.
Emma Stone was notably jovial, seen leaning on Woody Harrelson, who came to honor Harrison Ford with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Stone’s co-star Jesse Plemons documented the night with a digital camera, capturing the vibrant interactions among the attendees, including a group photo featuring Stone, Plemons’ wife Kirsten Dunst, Demi Moore, and Michelle Williams.
Highlights from the Social Scene
Timothée Chalamet attended the event with his mother, Nicole Flender, introducing her to fellow actor Jacob Elordi. The affectionate moment underscored the familial warmth amid the glamour. Chalamet also spent considerable time with his Marty Supreme co-stars Luke Manley and Odessa A’zion, the latter joining him in playful antics near the reserved table.
One Battle After Another’s Teyana Taylor shared heartfelt moments with her daughter, Rue Rose Shumpert, showering her with kisses and dancing during the evening. Michelle Williams was deeply emotional backstage after winning an award for her role in the limited series Dying For Sex, showcasing the evening’s blend of celebration and poignant recognition.
Harrison Ford, at 83 years old, impressed in a sharp suit alongside his wife Calista Flockhart, age 61, as he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award. The grace with which he engaged with his peers made a lasting impression on everyone present.
Comprehensive Review of Award Winners
The 32nd Annual Actor Awards featured numerous surprising results across film and television, with Warner Bros’ Sinners standing out by taking home both Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and the leading male actor award through Michael B. Jordan.
The film’s triumph was unexpected as it bested strong contenders, including Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme and Leonardo DiCaprio’s role in One Battle After Another. Jordan’s emotional reaction to his win at age 39 reflected the magnitude of this career milestone.
In addition to Jordan’s success, Jessie Buckley earned Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for her work in Hamnet, marking another highlight in the ceremony’s film category.
Film Excellence Recognized Across Categories
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture:
- Frankenstein (Netflix)
- Hamnet (Focus Features)
- Marty Supreme (A24)
- One Battle After Another (Warner Bros)
- Sinners (Warner Bros) – WINNER
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role:
- Jessie Buckley – Hamnet – WINNER
- Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
- Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue
- Chase Infiniti – One Battle After Another
- Emma Stone – Bugonia
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role:
- Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme
- Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another
- Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon
- Michael B. Jordan – Sinners – WINNER
- Jesse Plemons – Bugonia
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role:
- Miles Caton – Sinners
- Benicio Del Toro – One Battle After Another
- Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein
- Paul Mescal – Hamnet
- Sean Penn – One Battle After Another – WINNER
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role:
- Odessa A’zion – Marty Supreme
- Ariana Grande – Wicked: For Good
- Amy Madigan – Weapons – WINNER
- Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
- Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another
Outstanding Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture:
- F1 (Apple Original Films)
- Frankenstein (Netflix)
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (Paramount) – WINNER
- One Battle After Another (Warner Bros)
- Sinners (Warner Bros)
Television Honors Showcase Diverse Talent
The television categories acknowledged dynamic ensembles and powerful individual performances. HBO Max’s The Pitt secured the Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series award, while Noah Wyle received the male acting award for the same show. Keri Russell’s stellar role on The Diplomat was also rewarded in the female drama actor category.
Apple TV’s The Studio dominated comedy series categories, winning Outstanding Ensemble and earning accolades for Seth Rogen and Catherine O’Hara in the lead acting categories.
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series:
- The Diplomat (Netflix)
- Landman (Paramount+)
- The Pitt (HBO Max) – WINNER
- Severance (Apple TV)
- The White Lotus (HBO)
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series:
- Sterling K. Brown – Paradise
- Billy Crudup – The Morning Show
- Walton Goggins – The White Lotus
- Gary Oldman – Slow Horses
- Noah Wyle – The Pitt – WINNER
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series:
- Britt Lower – Severance
- Parker Posey – The White Lotus
- Keri Russell – The Diplomat – WINNER
- Rhea Seehorn – Pluribus
- Aimee Lou Wood – The White Lotus
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series:
- Abbott Elementary (ABC)
- The Bear (FX/Hulu)
- Hacks (HBO Max)
- Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
- The Studio (Apple TV) – WINNER
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series:
- Ike Barinholtz – The Studio
- Adam Brody – Nobody Wants This
- Ted Danson – Inside Man
- Seth Rogen – The Studio – WINNER
- Martin Short – Only Murders in the Building
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series:
- Kathryn Hahn – The Studio
- Catherine O’Hara – The Studio – WINNER
- Jenna Ortega – Wednesday
- Jean Smart – Hacks
- Kristen Wiig – Palm Royale
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series:
- Jason Bateman – Black Rabbit
- Owen Cooper – Adolescence – WINNER
- Stephen Graham – Adolescence
- Charlie Hunnam – Monster: The Ed Gein Story
- Matthew Rhys – The Beast In Me
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series:
- Claire Danes – The Beast In Me
- Erin Doherty – Adolescence
- Sarah Snook – All Her Fault
- Christine Tremarco – Adolescence
- Michelle Williams – Dying For Sex – WINNER
Outstanding Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series:
- Andor (Disney+)
- Landman (Paramount+)
- The Last of Us (HBO) – WINNER
- Squid Game (Netflix)
- Stranger Things (Netflix)
Emotional Reactions and Industry Highlights
Michelle Williams’ win for her role in Dying For Sex was a poignant highlight, as the actress was seen tearing up backstage while sharing her triumph with fellow actress Kirsten Dunst. The night celebrated many heartfelt moments, with performers visibly cherishing their peers’ accomplishments.
The event also honored longtime industry legend Harrison Ford with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Ford, alongside his wife Calista Flockhart, presented a poised and elegant image that captivated attendees. Ford took time to pose with his trophy, marking a distinguished milestone in his enduring career.
Other notable attendees included Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys from Netflix’s The Best In Me, who received a visit from Patricia Arquette, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the performing community. Ali Larter’s interaction with co-star Sam Elliott and affectionate exchanges between Billy Bob Thornton and Michelle Randolph further underscored the genuine relationships behind the glamour.
Looking Ahead: The Awards’ Growing Significance and Impact
This year’s rebranding to The Actor Awards signals a renewed focus on performers, spotlighting their talents with an iconic statuette known simply as “The Actor.” Executive producer Jon Brockett explained that emphasizing the performers’ contributions strengthens the ceremony’s identity and global appeal.
Michael B. Jordan’s surprise victories, particularly in overcoming formidable competitors like Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio, could mark a pivotal turning point in his career trajectory. Sinners’ sweep of major film awards signals a rising acclaim for the Warner Bros production, and its success may influence future projects and industry recognition.
With robust television acknowledgments for shows such as The Pitt, The Studio, and The Diplomat, the 2026 Actor Awards underscored the evolving landscape of entertainment, affirming diverse storytelling and remarkable performances. As the industry continues to embrace innovation and talent across mediums, these awards set a hopeful precedent for celebrating artistry with sincerity and depth.
