The Actor Awards Recap

The 32nd Annual Actor Awards aired live Sunday night on Netflix from the Shrine Auditorium, ushering in a new era for the ceremony formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG).

The rebranded show celebrated the year’s top performances in film and television while honoring the collective power of actors across the industry.

Unlike many other major Hollywood ceremonies, the Actor Awards are voted on exclusively by performers. Eligible members of the SAG American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) cast ballots to determine the nominees and winners, meaning each honor represents recognition from fellow actors.

That peer-driven voting process is often cited as one of the awards’ most meaningful distinctions, since recipients are chosen by colleagues who understand firsthand the craft, collaboration, and challenges of life on set.

Hosted for the third time by Kristen Bell, the evening opened with a lively musical number that playfully acknowledged the awards’ name change. Surrounded by dancers and nods to iconic screen moments, Bell sang about the transition from the Screen Actors Guild Awards to the streamlined Actor Awards, earning early laughs and applause from the star-filled crowd.

The night’s most emotional moment came with the posthumous win for Catherine O’Hara for her role in the comedy series “The Studio”. The audience rose in a standing ovation as her name was announced. Co-star and series co-creator Seth Rogen accepted the award on her behalf, delivering a tearful tribute that reflected on her brilliance, warmth, and unmatched comedic timing. Many attendees were visibly moved, making it one of the ceremony’s defining highlights.

On the film side, Ryan Coogler’s drama “Sinners” dominated with Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. The film’s lead, Michael B. Jordan, earned Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, strengthening his awards season momentum. Other major film honors recognized standout leading and supporting performances, underscoring a competitive year in cinema.

Television honors were led by “The Studio” and “The Pitt”. The former continued its strong year with wins for ensemble and Rogen as Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series, while “The Pitt” claimed Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, and lead actor Noah Wyle topped the drama acting ranks. Other TV winners included Keri Russell for her role in “The Diplomat” and Michelle Williams for her work in “Dying for Sex”.

In addition to the competitive awards, screen legend Harrison Ford received the Life Achievement Award. Presented by Woody Harrelson, the tribute blended humor and heartfelt appreciation, celebrating decades of iconic performances that have shaped popular culture.

With its new name and renewed energy, the 2026 Actor Awards balanced celebration with remembrance. From Bell’s spirited opening to O’Hara’s deeply felt posthumous recognition, the ceremony highlighted both the enduring legacy and evolving future of the acting community. 

Many categories have had varying outcomes from each award show this season, and it will be anyone’s guess as to who will get to bring home the Oscar in just a couple more weeks.