The 32nd Annual Actor Awards, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, are just around the corner, promising a night of recognition and a potential bellwether for the upcoming Academy Awards. Streaming live on Netflix on , the ceremony will be held at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles.
This year’s event marks a significant shift, officially rebranding as “The Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA.” The change, announced earlier this year, underscores the organization’s commitment to solely honoring actors in both film and television – a distinction that sets it apart from other major awards shows. With a voting body exceeding 160,000 performers, the Actor Awards boasts the largest voting pool in the awards season.
Nominations were unveiled on , by Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie and Abbott Elementary’s Janelle James. The nominees represent a diverse range of talent, including Michael B. Jordan, Ariana Grande, Jacob Elordi, Jean Smart, Seth Rogen and Jenna Ortega, signaling a competitive year for acting accolades.
Adding a touch of Hollywood glamour, Kristen Bell will return as host for the third time, making her the first solo host in the awards’ history and the first to host in consecutive years. Bell previously hosted in 2018 and 2025.
The evening’s theme, a partnership with Elle magazine, will be “Reimagining Hollywood Glamour From the ‘20s and ‘30s,” promising a visually striking event that pays homage to a golden era of cinema. The concept aims to celebrate “bold expression, sensuality and cultural collision,” according to the awards announcement.
Attendees can anticipate a culinary experience curated by Executive Chef Evan Funke, featuring a caviar station during the pre-reception, passed antipasti, and a full Italian meal served during the ceremony.
Beyond the competitive awards, the Actor Awards will also honor Harrison Ford with the 61st SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award. Ford, a celebrated figure in film history, was recognized for his contributions to the acting profession and his humanitarian spirit. “I am deeply honored to be chosen as this year’s recipient of the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award,” Ford stated. “To be acknowledged by my fellow actors means a great deal to me.”
The Actor Awards’ unique position within the awards landscape stems from its exclusive focus on recognizing actors. Unlike other ceremonies that encompass a broader range of filmmaking disciplines, the Actor Awards are voted on solely by performers, making it a particularly meaningful honor within the acting community. The voting process unfolds in two stages: nominations are determined by two committees of 2,500 randomly selected members, while the final ballot is open to all eligible SAG-AFTRA members in good standing who paid their November 2025 dues by .
Eligibility for the awards requires productions to be signatory to SAG-AFTRA or a SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreement, though titles need not be in English. Productions originating outside of SAG-AFTRA’s jurisdiction with entirely foreign casts may also be eligible. Actors themselves can submit their performances for consideration, with permission from producers, studios, networks, agents, managers, or publicists.
As the awards season progresses, the Actor Awards are closely watched for their predictive power regarding the Oscars. The awards have a strong track record of aligning with the Academy’s choices, particularly in the acting categories, making them a key indicator of momentum and potential winners. The ceremony’s streaming availability on Netflix further expands its reach, bringing the celebration of acting talent to a global audience.
