The Screen Actors Guild Awards, known as the SAG Awards, have been an integral part of Hollywood’s awards season since 1995. Celebrating performances across film and television, the ceremony is famous for its peer-to-peer recognition, where actors vote for other actors. Over time, the event has become a significant part of the awards circuit, showcasing both red carpet glamour and ensemble honors that highlight collaboration in storytelling.
In 2025, SAG-AFTRA announced that starting in 2026, the SAG Awards will be rebranded as The Actor Awards. This decision aims to better align the ceremony’s name with its iconic trophy, The Actor, while making the event more accessible to global audiences. The expansion of streaming partnerships, particularly with Netflix, has broadened the show’s reach, and the new name is designed to resonate more clearly with viewers worldwide.
Why the Name Change Matters
The SAG Awards brand has always been respected within the industry, but its abbreviation wasn’t always understood outside Hollywood. International audiences often struggled to connect “SAG” with the idea of honoring actors. By adopting The Actor Awards, the ceremony now emphasizes its purpose more directly, eliminating confusion.
The rebrand also strengthens the connection between the ceremony and its trophy. The Actor statue, which has symbolized excellence in performance since the awards’ inception, is now better reflected in the name. This alignment creates a unified identity that maintains tradition while embracing a fresh presentation.
In a crowded awards season, a name that clearly communicates the show’s mission can be a key asset in standing out. The real question remains: Will the rebranding help capture new audiences without compromising the ceremony’s legacy?
The 2025 Ceremony as a Turning Point
The 2025 SAG Awards marked the last edition under the original name. The ceremony celebrated diverse talent, with Conclave winning for Best Motion Picture Cast, Shōgun for Outstanding Drama Ensemble, and Only Murders in the Building for Outstanding Comedy Ensemble. Timothée Chalamet and Demi Moore received individual honors, among others.
The ceremony was not only a celebration of performances but also reflected broader social moments. A tribute to first responders following California wildfires underscored the event’s role beyond entertainment, reminding audiences of the power of collective efforts. Red carpet fashion, including bold statements from Selena Gomez and Cynthia Erivo, added to the spectacle.
This event served as both a finale and a preview, highlighting the transition ahead.
Awards shows have had to evolve in response to shifting audience habits and declining television ratings. Streaming partnerships have injected new life into many events, and for the SAG Awards, its move to Netflix in 2024 significantly expanded its reach. The transition to The Actor Awards builds on this momentum, positioning the event as a more relevant presence in the digital age.
For actors, peer recognition remains the heart of the ceremony. Unlike other awards determined by critics or industry executives, these honors are decided by fellow performers. The rebranding to The Actor Awards reinforces that identity, helping the ceremony’s purpose resonate more with audiences who may not be familiar with SAG-AFTRA.
Global Reach and Audience Engagement
With Netflix streaming the event, millions of viewers worldwide will now have access to the ceremony. The new name, The Actor Awards, is more globally recognizable, helping to ensure that the ceremony’s purpose is understood across languages and cultures.
Audience engagement has become a central focus. Social media conversations surrounding the 2025 ceremony showed how fans connect with both winners and red carpet fashion moments. By simplifying the name, organizers hope to make the event more shareable and recognizable in digital spaces.
The shift signals a broader ambition to make The Actor Awards a global cultural event, one that rivals other prestigious ceremonies like the Oscars and Emmys.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
The first Actor Awards will take place on March 1, 2026, and will stream live on Netflix. Categories will remain the same, ensuring continuity for both performers and audiences. This rebranding is focused on presentation rather than substance, preserving the ceremony’s core values while refreshing its identity.
Industry observers see this shift as part of a larger trend in the entertainment industry: awards shows must adapt to changing media landscapes. The transformation of the SAG Awards into The Actor Awards demonstrates how legacy institutions can evolve while staying true to their roots.
The true test will come in 2026, will the new name help the ceremony thrive for another three decades, or will it be seen as a superficial change? The future of the Actor Awards will depend on how audiences embrace the rebranded show and its role in Hollywood’s awards season.
Reinventing Recognition
The rebranding of the SAG Awards into The Actor Awards isn’t just about a name change. It’s a strategic move to align tradition with modern expectations. By focusing on clarity, accessibility, and relevance, the ceremony positions itself for continued success in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.
For actors, the peer recognition remains unchanged. For audiences, the new name offers a clearer understanding of what the ceremony celebrates. And for Hollywood, this transformation shows a willingness to adapt and stay relevant in an era where awards shows must constantly fight for attention.
In 2026, the industry will begin to see whether the Actor Awards can build its own legacy and whether audiences will continue to think of it as the SAG Awards.
