Actor Awards 2026: Your complete guide to the big night in Hollywood

The 2026 Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, are almost here, and they’re shaping up to be one of the biggest nights of the season. It’s the show where actors celebrate each other’s best work in movies and TV from the past year.If you’re a fan of great performances, emotional speeches, or just love a little red carpet drama, this is the event to watch. Here’s the rundown on how to tune in, who’s showing up, and which moments you won’t want to miss. The Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) are all about recognizing the best performances in film and television. The unique thing about SAG-AFTRA is that it’s actors voting for actors, and thousands of SAG-AFTRA members picking the winners — it’s like getting validation from those who know and understand the craft the best.This show’s been a big deal since 1995, but 2026 is a milestone. It’s the very first year under the new name, moving on from the SAG Awards but still keeping the focus right where it belongs: the actors themselves.This year, for example, winners will be chosen by their fellow actors in 15 categories across film and TV. Some of the biggest contenders? ‘One Battle After Another’ leads for movies, and ‘The Studio’ tops the TV nominations.It’s the 32nd annual ceremony this year, and they’re honoring performances from 2025: everything from leading and supporting roles to ensembles and even stunts. Moreover, if you like to predict the Oscars, keep an eye on these winners; this show is one of the best indicators of who’ll take home the big prizes later on.Mark your calendar: The Actor Awards 2026 is supposed to take place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles. The show kicks off live at 8:00 p.m. ET (that’s 5:00 p.m. out west). Now, here’s the best part: anyone with a Netflix subscription can watch it live, no matter where you live. The streaming giant will also stream the red carpet pre-show, starting an hour earlier at 7:00 p.m. ET. Paige DeSorbo and Scott Evans will host the pre-show, giving you a front-row seat to all the fashion, first reactions, and backstage buzz before the main event begins.Now, here’s all about the fun that’s going down on the big night in Hollywood: Kristen Bell is back as host for the third time. She’s done this before, in 2018 and last year, and the viewers love her mix of wit and warmth.This year, the lineup of presenters and special guests is star-stacked. Per the Actor Awards, Harrison Ford is slated to get the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award, celebrating his amazing career and all the good he’s done off-screen, too. Woody Harrelson is among the folks handing out awards, and you’ll see Hollywood heavy-hitters like Allison Janney, Michael B. Jordan, Regina Hall, and Timothée Chalamet on stage announcing winners.And for fans of TV reunions, you’re in luck as well, as the ceremony features some fun moments with cast members from shows like ‘The Office’ and ‘Homeland’.