The entertainment industry is set for a notable change as the Screen Actors Guild Awards undergo a significant rebranding ahead of its 32nd annual ceremony. Renamed the Actor Awards, this year’s event will be hosted once again by actress Kristen Bell and is scheduled to stream live on Netflix on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET.
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The recent name change was officially announced by SAG-AFTRA on its website, highlighting a desire for the awards to resonate more clearly with audiences. The union stated that the new title aims to better encapsulate the essence of the awards, which are uniquely designated as the only recognition given by actors, for actors. This shift is seen as a natural progression for an event that has been celebrating individual and collective accomplishments in film and television for over three decades.
The rebranding comes alongside a commitment that many elements of the awards will remain unchanged. SAG-AFTRA assured that the Actor Awards will continue to be exclusively determined by its members, ensuring that the integrity of the voting process is retained. The categories featured in the awards will also remain intact, emphasising a dedication to honour the creative talents of actors across the industry.
A noteworthy element of the awards has always been the iconic statuette, known simply as The Actor. SAG-AFTRA explained that the decision to adopt the new name was an effort to align the ceremony more closely with its emblematic award. This rebranding is seen as a vital step as the awards’ global footprint expands, primarily through its partnership with Netflix.
The announcement of the name change was initially made in November 2025, with SAG-AFTRA highlighting the intuitive nature of the evolution. The union expressed that the earlier name did not fully capture the awards’ purpose, which is to honour the work of actors in both film and television. The reformulation of the event’s identity is intended to deliver clearer recognition, ensuring that the focus remains firmly on the artists being celebrated.
In a competitive landscape, this year’s Actor Awards are distinguished by an impressive selection of nominated works. The film “One Battle After Another” leads the pack, boasting a total of seven nominations. Hot on its heels are “Sinners,” which has garnered five nominations. The television categories reveal their own fierce competition, with “The Studio” leading with five nominations. Both “Adolescence” and “The White Lotus” have secured four nods, reflecting a diverse range of talent and storytelling.
The 2026 ceremony is particularly significant as it will also honour the esteemed actor Harrison Ford with the Life Achievement Award. This accolade is designed to recognise a lifetime of outstanding contributions to the industry, making Ford’s inclusion in this year’s line-up a noteworthy highlight.
As anticipation builds for the Actor Awards, fans and industry professionals alike can look forward to a night dedicated to recognizing the contributions of actors. With relentless focus on performance and the power of storytelling, the rebranded awards promise to honour the craft in a manner that reflects its contemporary significance.
The Actor Awards are set to be a landmark moment for the Screen Actors Guild, ushering in a fresh chapter while maintaining its commitment to the core values that have defined the ceremony for many years. As the event approaches, coverage from various media outlets will keep audiences updated on nominees, performances, and special moments to look out for on the night.