The 2026 Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, delivered a major shake-up in Hollywood’s awards season. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners took home the top prize for best ensemble cast, positioning itself as a strong contender ahead of the Oscars.
A Historic Win
The vampire fable, which explores America’s racial history, has already made waves with a record 16 Oscar nominations. Accepting the award, Delroy Lindo praised the project’s vision: “We brought our hearts, we brought our souls, we brought our spirits to this endeavor… This project is anointed.”
This marked the first time Sinners claimed a top prize at a pre-Oscars gala, breaking the streak of Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which dominated the Producers Guild Awards just a day earlier.
Michael B. Jordan’s Surprise Victory
Michael B. Jordan stunned audiences by winning best leading male actor, beating Timothée Chalamet, who had been favored all season for Marty Supreme. Jordan, who also celebrated the ensemble win, said: “I’m so honored and privileged to be nominated in categories with people and actors and humans that I love.”
Jessie Buckley Continues Her Winning Streak
Jessie Buckley secured best leading female actor for her role in Hamnet, where she portrays Shakespeare’s grieving wife. Her emotional speech highlighted the transformative power of collaboration: “To get to work with my heart in my hand and stand beside my brilliant, daring friends… what a way to spend a life.”
Supporting Categories Stay Unpredictable
Amy Madigan won best supporting actress for Weapons, while Sean Penn earned best supporting actor for One Battle After Another. With different winners across the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Critics Choice Awards, the supporting races remain wide open heading into the Oscars.
Television Triumphs
Apple TV’s The Studio dominated the TV categories, winning three awards, including a posthumous honor for Catherine O’Hara. Seth Rogen accepted on her behalf, praising her generosity and talent.
Harrison Ford Honored
The evening closed with Harrison Ford receiving the Life Achievement Award. At 83, Ford reflected on his decades-long career with humility and humor: “I’m here to receive a prize for being alive,” he joked, before thanking his peers and family. With Sinners gaining momentum and One Battle After Another still in contention, the race to the Oscars remains unpredictable.
