SAG Awards Get a Starring Role Makeover After 30 Years!

The Screen Actors Guild Awards, a staple of awards season for three decades, is undergoing a significant transformation. Starting this year, the prestigious ceremony will officially be known as "The Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA." This name change reflects a strategic move to align the award show's title with its iconic statuette, affectionately known as "The Actor," and to fully acknowledge the union's evolution following the 2012 merger of SAG and AFTRA.

SAG Awards Get a Starring Role Makeover After 30 Y...

A Name Reflecting Identity

The decision to rebrand stems from a desire to highlight the actor-centric nature of the awards. The Actor Awards emphasize that the winners are chosen by their peers – actors recognizing the hard work and dedication involved in crafting compelling performances. According to JoBeth Williams, Chair of the Awards Committee and a long-time SAG-AFTRA member, the new name makes it "crystal clear to audiences everywhere" that the show is a celebration of actors, by actors.

The Actor: More Than Just a Statuette

The statuette itself, "The Actor," has always been a symbol of achievement within the acting community. By formally incorporating this name into the award show's title, organizers hope to solidify the connection between the recognition and the artistry it represents. While past winners are welcome to continue referring to their awards as SAG Awards, the ultimate goal is for "The Actor" to become the universally recognized moniker, much like "Oscar" has become synonymous with the Academy Awards.

A Unified Union, A Unified Award

The name change also signifies the full integration of SAG-AFTRA, representing over 160,000 performers across film, television, and other media. The Awards Committee, composed of members and SAG-AFTRA leadership, played a pivotal role in guiding the decision, ensuring it reflects the values and priorities of the entire union. This rebranding reinforces the idea that the awards are a collective celebration of the talent and dedication of all SAG-AFTRA members.

The 32nd Annual The Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA are slated to announce nominations for both film and television on January 7, 2026. The ceremony itself will air on Netflix on March 1, 2026, marking a new era for the awards show under its revitalized name and showcasing the best performances of the year, as judged by the actors themselves. The shift reflects a commitment to honoring the craft and solidifying the awards' position as a leading voice in recognizing excellence in acting.