32nd Actor Awards Winners 2026: Full List & Highlights

 The 32nd Annual Actor Awards: A Historic Night of Surprises, Tears, and Triumphs

By Entertainment Desk

The 32nd Annual Actor Awards, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, unfolded as a spectacular evening of celebration, emotion, and historic firsts at the iconic Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles on March 1, 2026. Hosted for the third consecutive time by the ever-charismatic Kristen Bell, the ceremony—streamed live on Netflix—marked a significant rebranding for the prestigious organization, now simply called "The Actor Awards" to better align with its iconic statuette and sharpen its global focus on peer-to-peer recognition .

The night belonged to the gothic vampire thriller Sinners, which emerged as the cinematic champion, while the satirical comedy series The Studio dominated the television categories, albeit under the shadow of a profound and recent loss that left the audience in tears . With actors forming the largest voting body within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the results from this ceremony have firmly established the frontrunners for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15 .

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Here is a quick overview of the film winners: 

Category	Winner	Work
Outstanding Performance by a Cast	Sinners	2
Male Actor in a Leading Role	Michael B. Jordan	Sinners 4
Female Actor in a Leading Role	Jessie Buckley	Hamnet 6
Male Actor in a Supporting Role	Sean Penn	One Battle After Another 10
Female Actor in a Supporting Role	Amy Madigan	Weapons 3
Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture	Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning	7

 

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FILM CATEGORIES: THE SINNERS SENSATION

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role: Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)

"That kid from New Jersey is standing here right now."

In what was arguably the biggest shock of the night, Michael Bakari Jordan took home the coveted award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, beating out heavily favored front-runner Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme) and industry legend Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another) . The 38-year-old actor delivered a breathtaking dual performance as twin gangster brothers, Smoke and Stack, who find themselves battling an unexpected invasion of vampires in Ryan Coogler's ambitious period horror thriller.

Visibly stunned as he took the stage after receiving his statue from a delighted Viola Davis, Jordan struggled to contain his emotions. "I don't even know where to begin. I wasn't expecting this at all," he admitted, clutching the award tightly . He took a moment to reflect on his journey as a child actor from Newark, New Jersey, who desperately longed to be part of the "club" of the Screen Actors Guild.

"Mom, thank you for driving me back and forth to New York when we didn't have enough money to go through the Holland Tunnel," he said, his voice cracking with gratitude. "Just being in this room right now with all these people who saw me grow up in front of the camera—I feel the love and support that you've always given me" .

Jordan, who broke out on television with notable roles in The Wire and Friday Night Lights before transitioning to a successful film career, has been a frequent collaborator of director Ryan Coogler, appearing in all five of his movies, including Fruitvale Station, the Creed series, and both Black Panther films . To build out his dual roles in Sinners, Jordan previously revealed how he thought about "their earliest childhood traumas" to inform their distinct personalities and coping skills. "One smiled and talked his way through it, convinced himself that it wasn't that bad. And the other one had probably more of an exact memory of what really happened and came from a more responsible place. Two survival instincts, but just approached differently" .

The win not only solidified his status as an Oscar frontrunner but also served as a full-circle moment for an actor who has grown up in front of the cameras and the eyes of his peers .

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)

"I have been categorically changed by so many people in this room and beyond."

Irish actress Jessie Buckley continued her impressive awards-season dominance by winning Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for her poignant work in Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao . Buckley, who had already secured victories at the BAFTA Film Awards and Golden Globe Awards for the same role, defeated a formidable lineup that included Emma Stone (Bugonia) and Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I'd Kick You) .

Hamnet, based on Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel, tells the fictionalized story of William Shakespeare's family, focusing on his wife Agnes and the death of their only son, Hamnet, at the age of 11. Buckley's portrayal of Agnes, a woman consumed by grief while her husband creates his masterpiece Hamlet, has been universally praised for its raw vulnerability and emotional depth.

Accepting the award, Buckley was characteristically humble and gracious. "I have been categorically changed by so many people in this room and beyond," she said, her voice soft but steady . She thanked director Chloé Zhao for her visionary guidance and her fellow cast members, including Paul Mescal, who was also nominated for his supporting role in the film. The win positions Buckley as the undeniable frontrunner for the Best Actress Oscar, bringing her one step closer to Hollywood's highest honor .

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: Sean Penn (One Battle After Another)

Veteran actor and two-time Oscar winner Sean Penn added another prestigious accolade to his collection, winning Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another . The win, which followed his BAFTA victory the previous weekend, came for his portrayal of a complex, morally ambiguous character in the star-studded ensemble piece that also features Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor .

Penn was not present at the ceremony to accept the award, leaving the audience to applaud his achievement in absentia . The film, which led the pack with seven nominations, had a strong night overall, though it was ultimately overshadowed by Sinners in the top categories. Penn's category was fiercely competitive, featuring nominees including Benicio del Toro (One Battle After Another), Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein), Paul Mescal (Hamnet), and Miles Caton (Sinners) . This marks another career highlight for the 65-year-old actor, whose legendary status in Hollywood continues to grow with each nuanced performance .

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Amy Madigan (Weapons)

"I've been doing this for a long ass time."

In one of the night's most surprising and heartwarming upsets, veteran actress Amy Madigan won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her terrifying turn in the horror film Weapons, beating out favorite Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another) and pop superstar Ariana Grande (Wicked: For Good) . Madigan, a seasoned character actor with decades of credits to her name, played the role of Aunt Gladys, a performance that has been described as both chilling and deeply layered.

Taking the stage, the 75-year-old actress radiated genuine shock and joy. "It's such an honour to be here, I've been doing this for a long ass time," she laughed, her honesty earning a roaring applause from the audience. "As you can tell, I'm nervous and overwhelmed and just so happy" . Her win was a testament to the power of peer recognition and a reminder that experience and craft can triumph over hype and box-office draw. It was a victory not just for Madigan, but for character actors everywhere who have quietly built remarkable bodies of work over decades .

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: Sinners (Warner Bros)

The night's biggest and most prestigious award, Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, went to the ensemble of Ryan Coogler's Sinners, cementing the film's status as the evening's cinematic champion . The cast, which includes Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, along with Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku, and Miles Caton, was recognized for their collective chemistry and the palpable sense of unity they brought to the screen.

The victory was particularly sweet as the film triumphed over heavyweights like Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and One Battle After Another . Accepting the award on behalf of the cast, veteran actor Delroy Lindo spoke with eloquence and passion. "This project is anointed and from that standpoint, we're all anointed to be part of this incredible journey," Lindo said, his voice resonating through the auditorium .

Michael B. Jordan, who had won his individual award earlier, stood among his castmates, beaming with pride. The ensemble win underscored the collaborative nature of filmmaking and highlighted how Sinners had resonated deeply with the acting community, not just as a showcase for individual performances but as a cohesive, powerful piece of storytelling .

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (Paramount)

In a category that celebrates the unsung heroes of cinema, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning won Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture . The long-running franchise, starring Tom Cruise, is legendary for its death-defying practical stunts, and this final installment reportedly pushed the boundaries even further. The stunt ensemble beat out strong competition, including F1, Frankenstein, One Battle After Another, and Sinners, proving once again that the Mission: Impossible team remains the gold standard for action filmmaking .

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TELEVISION CATEGORIES: THE STUDIO SWEEP AND A POIGNANT FAREWELL

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series: The Studio (Apple TV+)

Apple TV+'s satirical comedy The Studio dominated the television comedy categories, starting with the win for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series . The show, which offers a hilarious behind-the-scenes look at a chaotic Hollywood movie studio, defeated formidable competitors including Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, and Only Murders in the Building .

The ensemble, led by Seth Rogen, Ike Barinholtz, and the late Catherine O'Hara, was celebrated for its razor-sharp comedic timing and the palpable camaraderie that translates effortlessly to the screen. The win marked a significant moment for the series, which has already garnered major wins at the Emmys and Golden Globes .

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen (The Studio)

Co-creator and star Seth Rogen added another trophy to his collection, winning Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as a neurotic studio executive in The Studio . Rogen, who edged out his co-star Ike Barinholtz as well as comedy legends Ted Danson and Martin Short, used his acceptance speech not to celebrate himself, but to honor the woman who made the evening so emotionally charged.

Rogen's portrayal of a well-meaning but often overwhelmed executive trying to keep his artistic integrity while navigating corporate demands has been hailed as the finest work of his career, blending his signature comedic style with surprising dramatic depth .

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series: Catherine O'Hara (The Studio) – POSTHUMOUS WIN

"She proved that brilliance and kindness can go hand in hand."

The most emotional moment of the entire evening came when the late Catherine O'Hara was announced as the posthumous winner of Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her role in The Studio . O'Hara, who passed away in January 2025 at the age of 71 following a brief illness, was remembered with a long standing ovation as her co-star and friend Seth Rogen stepped to the microphone to accept the award on her behalf .

O'Hara played Patty Leigh, a former studio head, in the series, delivering the kind of nuanced, brilliantly funny performance that defined her five-decade career. As Rogen stood at the podium, the cameras captured an emotional Jenna Ortega—who had worked with O'Hara on Beetlejuice Beetlejuice—wiping away tears, alongside a visibly moved Kathryn Hahn .

Rogen spoke with palpable emotion about working alongside the legendary actress. He shared how O'Hara would often send thoughtful suggestions and rewrites before filming scenes, changes that consistently elevated not just her character, but the entire show. "She proved that brilliance and kindness can go hand in hand," Rogen said, his voice thick with feeling .

He encouraged audiences to revisit some of O'Hara's most memorable performances, from her comic brilliance in Beetlejuice to her unforgettable turn in Best in Show and her iconic role as Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek, which had previously earned her Actor Awards wins . Closing his speech, Rogen described her as an artist who shared her immense talent freely and left a lasting mark on everyone who worked with her . The win was a fitting tribute to a woman whose impact on comedy and film will be felt for generations.

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: The Pitt (HBO Max)

The medical drama The Pitt emerged as the big winner in the television drama categories, taking home Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series . The show, which offers a gritty, realistic look at the chaotic world of a Pittsburgh emergency room, beat out acclaimed series including The White Lotus, Severance, Landman, and The Diplomat .

The ensemble win was a testament to the show's commitment to authenticity and its richly developed characters. Star Noah Wyle, visibly emotional, led the cast to the stage. "I've never been more proud of a group of people in my life," he said, his voice filled with pride. "We're so grateful for this, I can't even tell you" .

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle (The Pitt)

Noah Wyle, a veteran of medical dramas—having spent 15 years on ER—won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch in The Pitt . The win marked a triumphant return to the genre for Wyle, who previously won four times in the 1990s with the ensemble of ER .

In his acceptance speech, Wyle not only thanked his cast and crew but also took a moment to praise the work of labor unions, a nod to the Screen Actors Guild's recent history and its ongoing advocacy for performers . Backstage in the press room, Wyle was asked about the future of the show and revealed that they are already planning ahead. "We're just about to go back into the writing room for season 3," he shared. "The first thing we do every season is take a lot of meetings with experts from every vector of healthcare that you could think of and ask them what should be on TV, what would be helpful to the work that they're doing" .

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series: Keri Russell (The Diplomat)

In a category packed with talent, Keri Russell scored a surprise win for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for her role in Netflix's political thriller The Diplomat . Russell, 49, defeated the category favorite Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus), as well as Britt Lower (Severance), and the White Lotus duo of Parker Posey and Aimee Lou Wood .

In The Diplomat, Russell portrays Katherine "Kate" Wyler, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, who finds herself navigating an international crisis while her marriage and political future hang in the balance. Russell's layered performance—balancing sharp political wit with personal vulnerability—has been a standout element of the series. This marked her first individual win at the Actor Awards, making the moment especially sweet .

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series: Owen Cooper (Adolescence)

"This is mad. What is going on?"

History was made by 16-year-old Owen Cooper, who became the youngest individual winner in the history of the Actor Awards, breaking the record previously held by Kate Winslet, who was 20 when she won for Sense and Sensibility in 1996 . Cooper won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for his chilling performance in Netflix's crime drama Adolescence.

Cooper portrayed a 13-year-old schoolboy who murders a female classmate, a role that required immense emotional range and maturity. He filmed the role when he was just 14 years old . Unable to attend the ceremony in person—reportedly due to filming commitments for Tom Ford's upcoming film Cry to Heaven in Italy—presenter Damson Idris accepted the award on his behalf, quipping humorously, "I'll be taking this home, thank you" .

The win continued a remarkable awards season streak for the young actor. In September, at age 15, he became the youngest male actor ever to win a Primetime Emmy. In January, while studying for his GCSE exams, he became the youngest ever recipient of the Golden Globe for best supporting actor on television . In his pre-recorded acceptance, Cooper reflected on his unlikely journey: "What started off as what I thought I might be okay at, I might be awful at—I took a risk and I went to drama classes. I was the only boy there. It was embarrassing but I got through it" .

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series: Michelle Williams (Dying for Sex)

Michelle Williams won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for her role in FX's Dying for Sex . The limited series tells the true story of a woman diagnosed with terminal cancer who decides to leave her husband and embark on a journey of sexual exploration. Williams's portrayal has been described as fearless, heartbreaking, and ultimately life-affirming.

This marked Williams's second win at the Actor Awards, following her victory for Fosse/Verdon in 2020 . She beat out a competitive field that included Erin Doherty and Christine Tremarco from Adolescence, as well as Claire Danes (The Beast in Me) and Sarah Snook (All Her Fault) . In her acceptance speech, Williams dedicated the award to all those who face illness with courage and honesty, bringing the audience to its feet once again.

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series: The Last of Us (HBO)

HBO's post-apocalyptic drama The Last of Us won Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series, recognizing the dangerous and physically demanding work of its stunt performers . The series, based on the popular video game, features intense action sequences involving infected creatures and hostile human survivors. The stunt ensemble beat out strong competition including Andor, Landman, Squid Game, and Stranger Things .

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THE LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: HARRISON FORD

Beyond the competitive categories, the night belonged to an icon. Harrison Ford, the 83-year-old legend of the screen, received the prestigious SAG Life Achievement Award, presented to him by his Shrinking co-star and friend Woody Harrelson, and his Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom co-star Ke Huy Quan .

Harrelson, in his introduction, described Ford as "a true renaissance man," while the audience rose to give him a standing ovation as he took the stage alongside his wife, Calista Flockhart . In a heartfelt and characteristically understated speech, Ford reflected on a life dedicated to storytelling, expressing gratitude to the fellow actors who "brought their A-game" to make him look good over his six-decade career spanning franchises like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Blade Runner, and The Fugitive .

"I am deeply honored to be chosen as this year's recipient of the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award," Ford had said in a statement prior to the ceremony. "To be acknowledged by my fellow actors means a great deal to me. I've spent most of my life on film sets, working alongside incredible actors and crews, and I've always felt grateful to be part of this community" .

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CONCLUSION: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

As the curtain fell on the 32nd Annual Actor Awards, the industry was left with a clear picture of the awards season landscape. Sinners emerged as the film to beat heading into the Oscars, with its 16 nominations setting a new record . Michael B. Jordan's victory solidified his status as a leading man of the highest order, while Jessie Buckley continued her seemingly unstoppable march toward Oscar gold.

In television, The Studio proved its dominance in comedy, while The Pitt established itself as the new heavyweight in drama. But above all, the night will be remembered for its moments of genuine human emotion—the standing ovation for Catherine O'Hara, the record-breaking achievement of young Owen Cooper, and the celebration of Harrison Ford's remarkable legacy.

Host Kristen Bell succeeded in her mission to provide "no division," instead offering a night of unity, respect, and celebration among peers . With the Oscars just two weeks away, the 2026 Actor Awards have set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to an extraordinary awards season.