The release of the 2026 SAG Actor Award nominations sparked immediate debate among TV fans, particularly over the absence of buzzy hits like Heated Rivalry, Interview With the Vampire, and Fallout. However, according to industry rules and submission details, these omissions were not snubs—but technicalities. The nominations were announced Wednesday by Janelle James and Connor Storrie during a Netflix livestream. While James earned another ensemble nod for Abbott Elementary, Storrie did not receive an individual nomination, despite starring in one of the most talked-about series of the year.
Why ‘Heated Rivalry’ Wasn’t Eligible
According to awards analysts, Heated Rivalry was not eligible for SAG Actor Awards consideration because it was never submitted to SAG-AFTRA’s nominating ballot. As a fully funded Canadian production by Bell Media, the series does not meet eligibility requirements for U.S.-based awards unless it is co-produced financially and creatively with an American partner prior to filming. As a result, stars including Connor Storrie, Hudson Williams, and the rest of the ensemble were not considered. The show, however, remains eligible for the International Emmy Awards, which honor non-U.S. television productions.
Air Dates Disqualified Several Fan Favorites
Other popular shows were excluded simply because they did not air within the 2025 calendar year, which is the eligibility window for the 2026 Actor Awards. These include Interview With the Vampire, Fallout, House of the Dragon, Outlander, The Boys, and Bridgerton. Although some of these series debuted new episodes in late 2025 or early 2026, they were submitted for future awards cycles.
For example, while Fallout Season 2 began streaming in December 2025, Prime Video opted to submit it for next year’s awards since episodes continued airing into February 2026. That decision makes the show eligible for the upcoming Emmy cycle instead.
Understanding SAG Actor Award Rules
The SAG Actor Awards—formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards—strictly follow calendar-year eligibility and submission rules. Performances must air within the qualifying year, and producers must formally submit shows for consideration. As a result, several acclaimed projects that dominated critics’ lists were ineligible this time around. Industry insiders stress that these exclusions reflect procedural rules, not a lack of support from actors.
Which Shows Did Get Nominated?
Drama ensemble nominations went to The Diplomat, Landman, The Pitt, Severance, and The White Lotus. In comedy, Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, Only Murders in the Building, and The Studio secured ensemble bids. The SAG Actor Awards, officially titled The Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA, will stream live on Netflix on March 1. For fans wondering why their favorite shows were left out, the answer is clear: timing and eligibility—not voter rejection—made all the difference.
