SAG Awards Rebrands as Actor Awards Starting in 2026

The Screen Actors Guild Awards, commonly known as the SAG Awards, will rebrand as the Actor Awards starting in 2026. This change was announced ahead of the 32nd edition of the awards, scheduled for March 1, 2026. Jon Brockett, the executive producer and showrunner of the event, alongside JoBeth Williams, chair of SAG-AFTRA’s Awards Committee, made this announcement in a joint statement.

Transition to the Actor Awards

The decision to change the name reflects an evolution in the awards’ identity. The SAG Awards have long celebrated performances in film and television through their signature statuette, known as The Actor. This rebranding aims to enhance clarity for both domestic and international audiences who may not fully recognize the SAG acronym.

Reasons for Change

• Alignment with Award Name: The statuette has always carried the name The Actor, making the new title a logical progression.
• Global Appeal: As the show gained international recognition through streaming on Netflix, updating the name became timely.
• Consistency in Identity: The purpose remains unchanged—actors honoring their peers, but with a clearer title reflecting this mission.

Details of the Transition

From now on, the event will be known as The Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA. Despite the name change, all existing protocols surrounding voting, submissions, and eligibility will remain the same. This ensures a smooth transition without affecting performers or the awards’ integrity.

Recognition and Legacy

The legacy and prestige of the SAG Awards are expected to endure through this rebranding. Brockett and Williams affirmed that the intent behind the change is to support the organization’s future growth while embracing its past. Consequently, audiences can still refer to past awards as the SAG Awards during this period of transition.

Acknowledging Membership Involvement

While involving over 160,000 members directly was impractical, the SAG-AFTRA Awards Committee played a crucial role in this decision. Their involvement guarantees that the new name not only reflects organizational goals but also resonates with members.

The Actor Awards seek to redefine its image within the entertainment industry while retaining the essence that has guided its success. This fresh branding aims to increase global visibility for all performers represented by SAG-AFTRA.