Rename of SAG Awards to Actor Awards in 2026

The Screen Actors Guild Awards, also known as the SAG Awards, are undergoing a name change to become the Actor Awards, sponsored by SAG-AFTRA.

Scheduled for March 1, 2026, the newly branded ceremony will continue to be available on Netflix, a platform that has broadcasted the event since 2023.

This rebranding decision was revealed on a Friday to the SAG-AFTRA board. The union, representing American film and TV actors among other performers, is behind the award presentation.

Historical Context and Influence

Launched in 1995, the SAG Awards have been acknowledging performances in both cinema and prime-time television. These awards have gained substantial recognition during Hollywood's awards season, partly due to the high-profile celebrities among the nominees and winners. It occurs shortly before the Oscars, often indicating potential outcomes for the prestigious Academy Awards.

Rationale Behind the Change

In a statement on its website, SAG-AFTRA clarified the logical progression to align the award show's name, which has been in use for over three decades, with the name of their iconic 'The Actor' statuette. This shift aims to boost clarity and awareness about what the ceremony truly celebrates—acting in film and television—thereby appealing to both local and international viewership.

Although discussions on renaming have been underway for a while, the organization did not delve into more detailed explanations.