The Screen Actors Guild Awards, a cornerstone of Hollywood’s awards season for more than 30 years, has officially been renamed The Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA. The updated title reflects the organisation’s long-standing merger in 2012 and aligns the ceremony with its iconic statuette, known since inception as The Actor. SAG-AFTRA leaders state that the new name better represents the union’s 160,000 members who vote each year to honour outstanding performances across film and television.
Officials note that the rebranding is a natural progression for the show and reinforces its identity as an event created by actors, for actors. The change also aims to provide global audiences with immediate clarity about the awards’ purpose. Jon Brockett, showrunner and executive producer, explained that the new title strengthens international recognition, especially as the ceremony reaches viewers in more than 190 countries.
To ease the transition, studios and networks may continue using the legacy SAG Awards branding for For Your Consideration campaigns through January 5, 2026. After this period, the guild encourages universal adoption of the new name. Aside from the title change, no adjustments have been made to eligibility rules, voting processes, or the ceremony format, ensuring continuity in how the winners are selected.
The Awards Committee, led by JoBeth Williams, oversaw the evolution of the show’s identity. Williams emphasised that the updated name highlights the ceremony’s unique tradition of actors voting for actors, providing authenticity and recognition from peers who understand the craft. While past winners may still refer to their trophies as SAG Awards, organisers expect the new terminology to gain traction over time, much like the Oscar’s informal naming history.
The 32nd annual The Actor Awards will announce nominations for film and television on January 7, 2026, with the ceremony set to stream globally on Netflix on March 1. With this rebrand, SAG-AFTRA reinforces its unified vision and honours the central role of performers in shaping the entertainment industry.
