The 32nd annual Actor Awards — the ceremony formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards — were held on Sunday, streamed live on Netflix from Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium and hosted by returning emcee Kristen Bell.
‘Sinners’ emerged as the night’s biggest surprise winner, capturing Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and throwing fresh suspense into the final stretch before the 98th Academy Awards. The Actor Awards are widely seen as a key predictor of Oscar momentum, which is what makes the victory for writer-director Ryan Coogler’s blues-infused vampire epic so significant. The film had been trailing behind Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another,’ which dominated much of awards season with wins at major ceremonies including the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and guild awards.
With the win, Coogler made history as the first director to guide two films to the guild’s top ensemble honor, following his 2019 triumph for Black Panther. Accepting the ensemble prize, cast member Delroy Lindo told the crowd, “From the bottom of our hearts, to the bottom of your hearts, thank you so much for everything.”
The night brought another surprise when Michael B. Jordan claimed Best Male Actor for his dual performance in Sinners, beating out frontrunner Timothée Chalamet and fellow nominee Leonardo DiCaprio. A visibly stunned Jordan admitted, “I wasn’t expecting this at all,” before adding with a grin, “Yeah, man, this is pretty cool.”
Meanwhile, Jessie Buckley continued her strong awards-season run, winning Best Female Actor for Hamnet. Supporting honors went to Sean Penn for One Battle After Another and Amy Madigan for Weapons.
On the television side, Catherine O’Hara received a posthumous win for Best Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her role as a studio executive in The Studio. Co-creator and co-star Seth Rogen accepted on her behalf, remembering her generosity and creative brilliance.
The Studio also won Best Comedy Series Ensemble, while Rogen picked up Best Male Actor in a Comedy Series. In drama categories, The Pitt won ensemble honors, and Noah Wyle took Best Male Actor. Keri Russell earned Best Female Actor in a Drama Series for The Diplomat.
The night also celebrated Hollywood icon Harrison Ford, who received the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award, presented with affectionate wit by Woody Harrelson. Reflecting on his decades-long career, Ford quipped, “I’m in a room with actors, many of whom are here because they’ve been nominated to receive a prize for their amazing work, while I’m here to receive a prize for being alive.” Calling the moment “the half point” of his journey, he grew emotional, later adding, “I’m indeed a lucky guy,” and expressing gratitude for a career that has continued to challenge and fulfill him.
For the full list of 2026 Actor Awards winners, head HERE.
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