2026 Actor Awards: A Night of Heartfelt Tributes and Celebratory Wins
The 2026 Actor Awards, previously known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, wrapped up in Los Angeles with an evening filled with emotional moments and a strong sense of unity among performers. Hosted by award-winning actress Kristin Bell for the third consecutive year, the ceremony kicked off with a humorous monologue that playfully addressed the event's rebranding, with Bell quipping, "New name, new girl." She also kept the audience entertained by organizing a lively table tennis tournament among celebrity guests, starting with her The Good Place co-star Ted Danson and Jackie Tohn from Nobody Wants This.
Harrison Ford Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
Legendary actor Harrison Ford was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by his friend and colleague Woody Harrelson. In his acceptance speech, Ford expressed deep gratitude, stating, "Incredibly grateful for the kind attention." He reflected on his journey, noting that he was not an overnight success and struggled for 15 years before landing his breakthrough role in the iconic film Star Wars, followed by Indiana Jones. Ford shared, "I found a calling, a life in storytelling," and thanked his peers, his wife Calista, and his family for their unwavering support throughout his career.
Posthumous Award for Catherine O'Hara
The late Catherine O'Hara was posthumously honored with an Actor Award for her outstanding performance in the comedy series The Studio. O'Hara, who passed away unexpectedly in January 2024 at age 71 from a pulmonary embolism, was celebrated for her role as an ousted studio head in the Hollywood satire. Seth Rogen accepted the award on her behalf, praising her generosity and talent. He remarked, "I have been reflecting on my time working with her and something I've been marvelling at over the past few weeks was her ability to be generous and kind and gracious while never minimising her own talents."
In Memoriam Tribute and Standout Achievements
The ceremony included a poignant In Memoriam segment honoring actors who passed away in the past year, such as James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane. Van Der Beek, known for Dawson's Creek, died in February 2024 at age 48 from colorectal cancer, while Dane, beloved for his role in Grey's Anatomy, passed away at 53 after battling ALS. The segment featured emotional clips and tributes to dozens of stars, including Diane Keaton and Gene Hackman.
Amid the reflections, the night also celebrated standout achievements, with Ryan Coogler's vampire thriller Sinners emerging as the biggest winner. The film secured the top honor for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, with Delroy Lindo accepting the award and expressing heartfelt thanks to the cast and crew. Lead actor Michael B. Jordan also won the award for Male Actor in a Leading Role, adding to the film's success.
Full List of Winners at the 2026 Actor Awards
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: Sinners
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role in a Motion Picture: Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role in a Motion Picture: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Amy Madigan, Weapons
- Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture: Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning
- Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: The Pitt
- Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series: The Studio
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle, The Pitt
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series: Keri Russell, The Diplomat
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, The Studio
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series: Catherine O'Hara, The Studio
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series: Owen Cooper, Adolescence
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series: Michelle Williams, Dying for Sex
- Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Comedy or Drama Series: The Last of Us
- Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award: Harrison Ford
The 2026 Actor Awards showcased a blend of nostalgia, celebration, and remembrance, highlighting the resilience and talent of the acting community in Hollywood.
