SAG Awards Rebrand as “Actor Awards” in Historic Move, Set to Stream Exclusively on Netflix

In a groundbreaking shift for Hollywood’s prestigious awards season, the Screen Actors Guild has officially announced that the 2026 SAG Awards will be rebranded as the “Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA”, though fans can simply call them the “Actor Awards”. This historic rebranding marks the first major change to the ceremony’s identity since its inception in 1995, signaling a new era for the entertainment industry’s most actor-centric celebration.

How to Watch the 2026 Actor Awards from Anywhere

The 32nd annual Actor Awards will stream exclusively on Netflix on Sunday, March 1 at 5 p.m. ET/PT, bringing Hollywood’s biggest night directly to your living room. Whether you’re in the United States or halfway across the globe, here’s everything you need to know to catch all the action:

Streaming Options:

• United States: Netflix
• International: Netflix (available in 190 countries)
• Watch from anywhere: Use a VPN like NordVPN for seamless streaming

Why This Rebrand Matters

The decision to rename the SAG Awards reflects the evolving landscape of entertainment, where streaming platforms have become dominant forces and traditional television boundaries have blurred. By simplifying the name to “Actor Awards,” SAG-AFTRA aims to create a more accessible, modern identity that resonates with today’s global audience.

“The name change represents our commitment to celebrating the craft of acting in all its forms,” said a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson. “Whether it’s film, television, or emerging digital platforms, we’re here to honor the artists who bring stories to life.”

What to Expect from the 2026 Actor Awards

Film Categories: A Battle of Titans

The film categories are shaping up to be one of the most competitive races in recent memory. “Sinners”, “One Battle After Another”, and “Hamlet” are all generating serious buzz among industry insiders and critics alike.

In the acting categories, Jessie Buckley and Timothée Chalamet lead the pack with multiple nominations, setting the stage for what could be career-defining moments. Buckley’s transformative performance in “Hamlet” has critics calling it “the performance of the decade,” while Chalamet’s portrayal in “Marty Supreme” continues his streak of critically acclaimed roles.

Television: The Streaming Revolution Continues

On the small screen, “The Studio”, “The Pitt”, and “The White Lotus” are dominating the conversation. The comedy categories feature powerhouse performances from Catherine O’Hara and Seth Rogen, while Rhea Seehorn and Noah Wyle are strong contenders in the drama categories.

How to Stream the Actor Awards from Anywhere in the World

Even if you’re traveling internationally or living in a region where Netflix has different content libraries, you can still catch the Actor Awards live. Here’s your complete guide:

Step 1: Choose Your VPN

We recommend NordVPN for its lightning-fast speeds and reliable connection. With servers in over 60 countries, you’ll have no trouble accessing Netflix’s U.S. library.

Step 2: Connect to the Right Server

Simply open your VPN app and connect to a U.S. server. This will give you access to Netflix’s American content library, where the Actor Awards will be streaming live.

Step 3: Stream Without Limits

Once connected, head to Netflix and search for the Actor Awards. The ceremony will be available to stream live, so you won’t miss a single acceptance speech or red carpet moment.

U.S. Streaming Details

For viewers in the United States, the Actor Awards will be available on Netflix starting March 1 at 5 p.m. ET/PT. Netflix offers several subscription tiers:

• Standard with Ads: $6.99/month
• Standard: $15.49/month
• Premium: $22.99/month (includes 4K streaming)

While Netflix isn’t typically free, there are ways to access the service without paying full price. Check out our guide on how to get Netflix for free to explore your options.

International Viewers: Don’t Miss Out

Whether you’re in Canada, the UK, Australia, or anywhere else in the world, you can watch the Actor Awards live. Simply use a VPN to connect to a U.S. server, then access Netflix as usual. The ceremony will be available globally, but using a VPN ensures you get the live broadcast experience.

Host Announcement: Kristen Bell Returns

Kristen Bell will return for her third consecutive year as host of the Actor Awards. The “Nobody Wants This” star first took the reins in 2018 and has since become a fan favorite for her quick wit and genuine enthusiasm for celebrating her fellow actors.

Official Trailer: Get Ready for Hollywood’s Biggest Night

The official trailer for the 32nd Annual Actor Awards has already generated millions of views, offering a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. From emotional acceptance speeches to stunning red carpet fashion, this year’s ceremony promises to be unforgettable.

Complete List of Nominations

Film Categories

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

• “Frankenstein”
• “Hamnet”
• “Marty Supreme”
• “One Battle After Another”
• “Sinners”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

• Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet”
• 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”
• Jesse Plemons, “Bugonia”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

• Odessa A’zion, “Marty Supreme”
• Ariana Grande, “Wicked: For Good”
• Amy Madigan, “Weapons”
• Wunmi Mosaku, “Sinners”
• Teyana Taylor, “One Battle After Another”

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”

Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture

• “F1”
• “Frankenstein”
• “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”
• “One Battle After Another”
• “Sinners”

Television Categories

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

• “The Diplomat”
• “Landman”
• “The Pitt”
• “Severance”
• “The White Lotus”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

• Britt Lower, “Severance”
• Parker Posey, “The White Lotus”
• Keri Russell, “The Diplomat”
• Rhea Seehorn, “Pluribus”
• Aimee Lou Wood, “The White Lotus”

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”

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

• “Abbott Elementary”
• “The Bear”
• “Hacks”
• “Only Murders in the Building”
• “The Studio”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series

• Kathryn Hahn, “The Studio”
• Catherine O’Hara, “The Studio”
• Jenna Ortega, “Wednesday”
• Jean Smart, “Hacks”
• Kristen Wiig, “Palm Royale”

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series

• Ike Barinholtz, “The Studio”
• Adam Brody, “Nobody Wants This”
• Ted Danson, “A Man on the Inside”
• Seth Rogen, “The Studio”
• Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”

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”

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series

• Jason Bateman, “Black Rabbit”
• Owen Cooper, “Adolescence”
• Stephen Graham, “Adolescence”
• Charlie Hunnam, “Monster: The Ed Gein Story”
• Matthew Rhys, “The Beast in Me”

Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series

• “Andor”
• “Landman”
• “The Last of Us”
• “Squid Game”
• “Stranger Things”

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