The first SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards took place on January 21, 2026, marking a significant rebranding from the previous Screen Actors Guild Awards. Hosted by Kristen Bell for the third consecutive year, the ceremony celebrated outstanding performances in film and television. The awards, which aired live on Netflix, featured a range of nominees and winners that highlighted the year’s best talent.
Among the film nominees, One Battle After Another stood out with a total of seven nominations, reflecting its critical acclaim. On the television side, The Studio led the pack with five nominations, showcasing the growing diversity and quality in serialized storytelling.
In a touching moment during the ceremony, Harrison Ford was honored with the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes Ford’s decades-long contribution to the film industry and his impact on the art of acting. His acceptance speech resonated with both humor and heartfelt gratitude, celebrating not only his own career but also the collaborative spirit of the industry.
The Actor Awards ceremony, which began at 20:00 ET, offered a blend of entertainment and recognition, with Bell’s engaging hosting style setting a lively tone for the evening. Her opening remarks captured both the gravity of the awards and the excitement of the nominees and attendees.
The event also included performances and tributes that added to the celebratory atmosphere. As the winners were announced, the audience responded with enthusiasm, celebrating the hard work and dedication that goes into each performance.
This year’s awards underscored the importance of recognizing talent in a variety of formats, from blockbuster films to innovative television series. The shift to the SAG-AFTRA branding signifies a commitment to evolving with the industry and highlighting the contributions of its members.
Overall, the 2026 SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards successfully honored the best in acting while reinforcing the community’s commitment to excellence in performance. As the awards concluded, the buzz around the winners and tributes continues to resonate, marking another memorable night in the entertainment industry.
