Kristen Bell opened the 2026 Actor Awards with a playful musical monologue that had the audience laughing and singing along. The ceremony, held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, kicked off with a scripted skit featuring the cast of Abbott Elementary, before Bell took the stage with her comedic twist on Hollywood’s tradition of stage names.
A Musical Rebrand
Bell joked about the awards’ new name, noting the shift from the SAG Awards to the Actor Awards. “We nipped the ‘sag,’ and now it’s just the Actor Awards,” she teased, before launching into a song about rebranding and the importance of stage names in Hollywood.
Her lyrics poked fun at SAG-AFTRA’s rules, which prevent two members from using the same professional name. “A stage name up on the marquees that rolls off the tongue with melodious ease,” she sang. “A stage name to bring you acclaim, to double your luck and to triple your fame.”
Creative Suggestions
Bell offered humorous new names for several nominees:
- Jacob Elordi → “Jacordy O’Lordy”
- Ted Danson → “Teddy Dandaughter”
- Teyana Taylor → “TeyTay”
- Noah Wyle → “Indoctrinate Me”
- Jesse Plemons → “Jessie Plimes”
When it came to One Battle After Another star Chase Infiniti, Bell quipped: “No notes.”
A Lighthearted Start
The segment set a fun tone for the evening, blending comedy with music while celebrating the quirks of Hollywood tradition. Bell reminded the audience: “Choose carefully what name goes on your SAG-AFTRA card. It’s the name that millions of people might step on Hollywood Boulevard.”
Big Wins Follow
The night’s biggest winner was Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which took home Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for Michael B. Jordan. Bell’s musical opener added levity to a night filled with emotional speeches, memorable wins, and tributes, proving once again why she remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved performers.
