The 2026 Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, delivered a night of thrill, surprise, and celebration on March 1 in Los Angeles. Hollywood’s biggest screens and small‑screen hits were honored as voters from SAG‑AFTRA crowned standout achievements in film and television in a ceremony that doubled as one of the most watched leading up to the Oscars. “Sinners,” a bold vampire drama that has captivated audiences and critics alike, captured the evening’s biggest prizes, while beloved series “The Studio” and gripping drama “The Pitt” dominated TV categories.
The atmosphere at the Shrine Auditorium buzzed with star power, emotional moments and powerful speeches from actors and creators, marking this ceremony as one of the year’s most meaningful celebrations of performance.
Unforgettable Victory for Sinners at the Actor Awards
The night belonged to Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s haunting drama set in the segregated American South. The film won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, the ceremony’s top honor for film ensembles, signaling its strong momentum in the wider awards season.
Michael B. Jordan took home Best Male Actor in a Leading Role for his dual portrayal of twin brothers in Sinners, triumphing over a deeply talented field that included Marty Supreme’s Timothée Chalamet and One Battle After Another’s Leonardo DiCaprio. The crowd erupted as Michael B. Jordan’s name was announced, with longtime peer Viola Davis shouting in celebration from the audience.
The film’s emotional and cultural resonance was echoed throughout the evening. Delroy Lindo accepted the cast award alongside Sinners stars, making clear how much the recognition meant for a story rooted in Black history and cinematic craft.
Jessie Buckley also won Best Female Actor in a Leading Role for her stunning performance in Hamnet, reinforcing her awards season dominance and positioning her as a front‑runner for the Oscars.
Supporting categories showcased veteran and celebrated actors. Sean Penn was named Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another, and Amy Madigan earned Best Supporting Actress for her role in Weapons—a win applauded by peers and critics alike.
Key Film Winners
• Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture: Sinners
• Best Male Actor: Michael B. Jordan – Sinners
• Best Female Actor: Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
• Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn – One Battle After Another
• Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan – Weapons
• Outstanding Stunt Ensemble: Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Television Triumphs: The Studio and The Pitt Lead
Television was a showcase of excellence and comedic flair, with “The Studio” emerging as one of the night’s big TV winners. The witty Apple TV+ comedy series won Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series, and its stars, including posthumous Best Actress in a Comedy Series honoree Catherine O’Hara, received heartfelt recognition. Seth Rogen accepted the award for the cast, delivering an emotional tribute to O’Hara’s legacy.
On the dramatic side of television, “The Pitt” won Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series, cementing its role as one of the year’s most engaging and critically acclaimed dramas. Noah Wyle also took home Best Male Actor in a Drama Series for his work on the show, highlighting a powerful performance from the cast.
Highlights in Television
• Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series: The Studio
• Best Female Actor in a Comedy Series: Catherine O’Hara (The Studio)
• Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama Series: The Pitt
• Best Male Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle (The Pitt)
• Best Female Actor in a Drama Series: Keri Russell (The Diplomat)
Special Honors and Memorable Moments
One of the most anticipated parts of the evening was the Life Achievement Award, which went to veteran actor Harrison Ford. Ford’s remarkably varied career earned cheers from the audience as peers celebrated his decades‑long contributions to film and television.
The awards also featured stirring moments of remembrance. Tributes to the late Catherine O’Hara brought standing ovations, both for her enduring comedy work and for the impact she had on colleagues and fans around the world.
Awards Season Impact and What Comes Next
The Actor Awards are widely seen as a bellwether for the Academy Awards, with many winners often carrying momentum into Oscar nominations and voting. Sinners’ success, particularly its ensemble cast and lead actor wins, positions it as a strong contender in the Best Picture and acting races for the Oscars on March 15.
Industry analysts also point to the critical recognition of Hamnet and the television success of The Studio and The Pitt as indicators of broader trends in storytelling excellence across both mediums this year.
A Night That Sparked Emotion and Passion
The 2026 Actor Awards showcased not just cinematic and television achievement, but the emotional landscape of the entertainment community itself. From veteran actors honored for a lifetime of work to rising talents like Jessie Buckley and Michael B. Jordan earning coveted trophies, the evening was filled with moments that will echo through this awards season and beyond.
Tell us your thoughts on this year’s winners and who you think will triumph at the Oscars. Use hashtag #ActorAwards2026 to join the conversation on social media and share your predictions!
