The 2026 Actor Awards — formerly known as the SAG Awards — brought Hollywood’s biggest names together for a night of celebration, glamour, and candid moments on and off the red carpet. Held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and streamed live on Netflix, the event showcased standout performances, emotional tributes, and breathtaking fashion that captured the spirit of the evening.
A Red Carpet Full of Glamour and Themes
This year’s red carpet came with a distinct fashion twist: stars embraced the theme “Reimagining Hollywood Glamour from the 1920s and ’30s”, drawing inspiration from classic silhouettes, vintage details, and old‑world elegance blended with modern flair.
Celebrities turned heads with an array of styles — from sleek satin gowns and lace‑inspired pieces to bold modern interpretations of the era’s glamour. For example:
- Jenna Ortega stunned in a satin beige gown with lace accents and strategically cut details that balanced sophistication with edge.
- Teyana Taylor delivered a striking look reminiscent of the era’s artistic boldness in a Thom Browne gown crafted to mimic a second‑skin illusion.
- Other attendees, including Michelle Monaghan, Kristen Bell, and Rose Byrne, also embodied elements of the vintage code while making each outfit uniquely their own.
Inside the Ceremony: Wins, Tributes, and Highlights
The Actor Awards honors the year’s best performances in both film and television, voted on by members of SAG‑AFTRA — the union representing actors. Hosted again by Kristen Bell, the 2026 ceremony was rich with emotion, camaraderie, and standout acceptance speeches.
Some of the most notable winners included:
- Michael B. Jordan, who took home Best Lead Male Actor for his role in Sinners, which also won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
- Jessie Buckley earned Best Lead Female Actor for her work in Hamnet.
- In comedy categories, Apple TV+’s The Studio secured Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series, with Seth Rogen winning Best Actor in a Comedy Series.
- Posthumous honours added poignant moments to the night, including a tribute to Catherine O’Hara, remembered warmly by fellow actors.
Across television and film categories, winners reflected the range of storytelling that resonated with audiences and actors alike this year — from dramatic deep cuts to breakthrough ensemble performances.
Beauty, Style, and Trend Moments
Beyond fashion, beauty trends also made their mark. One standout look that popped across red carpet photos was the “blurred lip” makeup trend, which paired soft, slightly diffused lip color with glowing skin — a fresh, undone alternative to sharply defined lipstick that many stars opted for.
This aesthetic, often paired with vintage‑inspired hairstyles and minimalist accessories, complemented the evening’s theme and gave many red‑carpet photographs a cohesive, luxe finish.
Candid Moments and After‑Party Energy
What sets an evening like the Actor Awards apart isn’t just the glitz and glamour — it’s the unscripted moments that occur off stage. Vogue’s candid slideshow captured everything from warm embraces and joyful celebrations to unexpected reunions among co‑stars.
For many attendees, the night didn’t end with the final award. After‑party scenes saw winners, nominees, and guests unwinding together, celebrating achievements with laughter, music, and good‑spirited conversation. Enthusiastic moments — like actors loosening their heels or sharing a toast — highlighted the human side of what can otherwise be an ultra‑polished industry event.
A Celebration of Craft and Community
More than a fashion showcase, the 2026 Actor Awards honored the craft of acting itself — from seasoned veterans to rising stars — and underscored the importance of artistic collaboration. The evening struck a balance between honoring industry excellence and celebrating the community of storytellers who bring film and television to life.
In a year full of intense competition leading into the Oscars, the Actor Awards served as a meaningful precursor — recognizing performances, pushing conversations about style and culture, and spotlighting moments that people will be talking about throughout the awards season and beyond.
