The 2026 Actor Awards delivered a night of major wins for both film and television, with ‘Sinners’ claiming the top honour for Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture and its star, Michael B. Jordan, taking home Best Male Actor in a Leading Role.
The ceremony, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, is presented by SAG-AFTRA and recognises outstanding performances across film and television. Widely regarded as a key indicator ahead of the Oscars on March 15, this year’s event highlighted a competitive awards season.
Vampire drama Sinners, set in the segregated American South, emerged as the evening’s biggest film winner. Jordan was recognised for his dual role as bootlegging twins, visibly moved as he reflected on his career journey. Director Ryan Coogler also made history, becoming the first filmmaker to helm two Best Ensemble winners, having previously won with 2018’s ‘Black Panther’.
Jessie Buckley secured Best Female Actor in a Leading Role for her performance in ‘Hamnet’, portraying a grieving mother.
In supporting categories, Sean Penn won for his portrayal of a disturbed soldier in ‘One Battle After Another’, while Amy Madigan was honoured for her role in ‘Weapons’. The Stunt Ensemble award went to ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’.
With a record-breaking 16 nominations, Sinners is locked in a tight race this awards season with One Battle After Another, which has already claimed major guild prizes.
On the television front, satire series ‘The Studio’ led with three awards, including Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series. Seth Rogen won Best Male Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as a struggling film executive, while Catherine O’Hara received a posthumous win for Best Female Actor in a Comedy Series.
Medical drama ‘The Pitt’ followed closely, winning Best Ensemble in a Drama Series and earning Noah Wyle Best Male Actor in a Drama Series.
In a surprise result, Keri Russell won Best Female Actor in a Drama Series for ‘The Diplomat’, edging out strong competition. Michelle Williams was awarded Best Female Actor in a Limited Series for ‘Dying for Sex’, while 16-year-old Owen Cooper triumphed in the male limited series category for ‘Adolescence’.
The Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series award went to ‘The Last of Us’.
Hollywood legend Harrison Ford received the Lifetime Achievement Award, delivering an emotional speech that drew a standing ovation.
The ceremony, hosted by Kristen Bell for the second consecutive year on Netflix, also carried a more sombre tone. SAG-AFTRA’s executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland acknowledged ongoing global conflicts, expressing solidarity with those affected and calling for peace.
