The SAG Nominations 2026 have officially been unveiled, shining a spotlight on a remarkable year for film and television. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) announced the nominees across 15 performance categories, honoring the actors, ensembles, and stunt teams that defined storytelling excellence in 2025’s most talked-about projects.
This year’s nominations reflect a vibrant mix of Hollywood veterans and first-time nominees, marking a post-strike resurgence for the entertainment industry. The ceremony will celebrate not only artistic achievements but also the resilience of performers who helped revitalize audiences’ love for cinema and episodic television after a challenging few years for production schedules worldwide.
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A Milestone Season for the SAG Awards
Now entering its 32nd edition, the Screen Actors Guild Awards remain one of Hollywood’s most respected peer-voted honors. Every nomination is determined by actors voting for actors, giving the event a unique sense of authenticity and professional camaraderie.
The 2026 nominees span genres and generations — from intimate dramas to expansive fantasy series and box-office blockbusters. This year’s selections also demonstrate a growing commitment to inclusion, with several categories highlighting diverse casts and international talent making their mark on U.S. screens.
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
The ensemble award, often seen as the SAG’s top film honor, once again features a competitive field of nominees that encapsulate the artistic range of the past year. Large-scale productions sit alongside smaller, character-driven stories — proof that powerful performances transcend budget and genre.
Nominees include:
- Oppenheimer – A period epic anchored by an ensemble cast led by Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, and Robert Downey Jr.
- Barbie – A cultural phenomenon featuring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and a star-studded supporting lineup.
- Killers of the Flower Moon – Martin Scorsese’s historical drama featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone, and Robert De Niro.
- Poor Things – A surreal, comedic period piece starring Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo.
- The Holdovers – A character-driven dramedy with Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph leading a heartfelt ensemble.
Each nominated film achieved critical acclaim not only for its direction and storytelling but for the cohesion of its casts — a quality the SAG Awards uniquely recognize.
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
This year’s leading actor category features a blend of long-time stars and actors experiencing major career breakthroughs. Performances rooted in complexity, vulnerability, and transformation dominate the lineup.
Nominees include:
- Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer
- Leonardo DiCaprio – Killers of the Flower Moon
- Paul Giamatti – The Holdovers
- Colman Domingo – Rustin
- Bradley Cooper – Maestro
These portrayals have fueled awards-season discussions and cemented 2025 as one of the most competitive years for dramatic male performances.
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
The women’s leading category continues to highlight the evolution of modern storytelling — one where female-driven narratives command both box-office and critical success.
Nominees include:
- Emma Stone – Poor Things
- Lily Gladstone – Killers of the Flower Moon
- Margot Robbie – Barbie
- Carey Mulligan – Maestro
- Fantasia Barrino – The Color Purple
Each nominee brought distinctive power to her role, blending artistic risk-taking with emotional precision. Industry observers have called it one of the most dynamic and balanced categories of the decade.
Television: The Rise of Ensemble Storytelling
The television landscape remains a dominant cultural force, and the 2026 SAG nominations capture its diversity more than ever before. From prestige cable dramas to streaming comedies, the nominees showcase how television continues to define water-cooler conversation across the United States.
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
- Succession (final season)
- The Crown
- The Morning Show
- The Last of Us
- The Gilded Age
While Succession earned its farewell season nod, The Last of Us and The Gilded Age demonstrated the growing range of genre storytelling recognized by guild members.
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
- Ted Lasso
- Abbott Elementary
- Only Murders in the Building
- The Bear
- Barry
With both Ted Lasso and Barry concluding their runs, voters faced emotional decisions between beloved series finales and rising newcomers like The Bear.
Individual Television Performances
The acting branches of SAG-AFTRA continued to honor individual excellence on the small screen.
Male Actor in a Drama Series
- Pedro Pascal – The Last of Us
- Brian Cox – Succession
- Jeremy Strong – Succession
- Kieran Culkin – Succession
- Sterling K. Brown – This Is Us
Female Actor in a Drama Series
- Sarah Snook – Succession
- Jennifer Aniston – The Morning Show
- Bella Ramsey – The Last of Us
- Elizabeth Debicki – The Crown
- Christine Baranski – The Good Fight
Male Actor in a Comedy Series
- Jeremy Allen White – The Bear
- Jason Sudeikis – Ted Lasso
- Bill Hader – Barry
- Steve Martin – Only Murders in the Building
- Martin Short – Only Murders in the Building
Female Actor in a Comedy Series
- Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
- Hannah Waddingham – Ted Lasso
- Ayo Edebiri – The Bear
- Selena Gomez – Only Murders in the Building
- Natasha Lyonne – Poker Face
The nominations emphasize how streaming platforms and traditional networks now coexist as equal creative forces, with performances across both earning critical acclaim.
Stunt Ensembles: Recognizing Physical Storytelling
Beyond dramatic acting, the SAG Awards uniquely honor stunt performers whose work delivers much of modern cinema’s excitement.
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
- John Wick: Chapter 4
- Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning
- The Marvels
- Oppenheimer
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series
- The Mandalorian
- The Last of Us
- Stranger Things
- Reacher
- The Boys
These categories continue to highlight the physical artistry and coordination that make large-scale storytelling believable and thrilling.
Notable First-Time Nominees
Several breakout stars earned their first SAG nods this year, marking new milestones in their careers. Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon), and Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us) each represent a generation of emerging talent redefining the boundaries of television and film acting.
Their nominations signal a shift in Hollywood toward more inclusive casting and risk-taking roles — an evolution welcomed by audiences seeking authenticity on screen.
Veteran Performers and Lifetime Achievement Recognition
The 2026 ceremony will also honor a distinguished performer with the SAG Life Achievement Award, celebrating career-long contributions to the art of acting. This year’s honoree is Angela Bassett, recognized for decades of transformative performances across film and television.
Bassett’s selection resonates deeply within the industry. Her ability to portray strength, depth, and grace has influenced generations of actors, making her an icon whose impact extends beyond the screen.
Industry Context: A Return to Momentum
The 2026 SAG nominations arrive during a rejuvenated awards season following labor strikes that temporarily halted production the previous year. The renewed collaboration between performers and studios has sparked fresh enthusiasm, with many projects now emphasizing creative freedom and fair working conditions.
This spirit of cooperation and renewed energy is reflected in the diversity of this year’s nominees. The stories recognized are bold, complex, and often deeply human — exploring identity, resilience, and connection in a world still redefining its post-pandemic rhythm.
Predictions and Buzz Heading Into the Ceremony
As the SAG Awards ceremony approaches, industry buzz centers on a few key races. Oppenheimer and Barbie are poised for major ensemble wins in film, while Succession and The Bear dominate the television discussion.
However, the Screen Actors Guild has a long history of surprising results. Because actors vote for actors, emotional impact often outweighs statistical predictions. Performances that connect on a personal level with voters frequently emerge victorious, creating memorable upsets year after year.
Whatever the outcomes, these nominations serve as a critical benchmark leading into the Oscars, often signaling future Academy Award success.
The Importance of Peer Recognition
Among Hollywood honors, the SAG Awards hold a special distinction: they are decided entirely by fellow performers. For many nominees, being acknowledged by peers carries the most meaning.
This structure reinforces the awards’ sense of authenticity. Recognition from colleagues who understand the challenges of the craft provides validation that transcends box-office numbers or online popularity.
It also helps amplify the collaborative nature of acting. Behind every individual nomination stands a team of writers, directors, producers, and crew — all working in harmony to bring characters to life.
Red-Carpet Expectations and Ceremony Details
The 32nd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will take place in Los Angeles, continuing its tradition of glamour and camaraderie. The event will feature live red-carpet arrivals, presenter reunions, and on-stage tributes celebrating the year’s best performances.
Stylists and fashion houses are already preparing for one of the entertainment calendar’s most photographed evenings. Designers are expected to highlight sustainability this year, reflecting Hollywood’s growing commitment to environmentally conscious practices.
Beyond the glitz, the ceremony’s tone will likely be celebratory yet reflective, recognizing both artistic achievement and the collective resilience of the entertainment community.
Broader Cultural Impact
The 2026 nominees collectively capture a year when storytelling reclaimed its emotional and cultural power. Whether through the introspective lens of The Holdovers, the imaginative world of Barbie, or the haunting realism of Killers of the Flower Moon, this year’s films and shows remind audiences why acting remains one of the most vital forms of expression.
The SAG nominations also mirror broader cultural shifts — toward greater representation, stronger female narratives, and stories that challenge societal expectations. The diversity of talent and storytelling styles underscores how far Hollywood has evolved and how far it still strives to go.
What to Watch as Awards Season Continues
With Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and Oscar nominations aligning closely with the SAG list, the next few weeks will solidify which performances dominate awards chatter. Still, the Screen Actors Guild Awards maintain their own identity — as a celebration of artistry rather than competition.
Actors see the event as a reunion of peers, where appreciation for the craft takes center stage. The ceremony continues to remind audiences and professionals alike that great performances are born not only from talent but from collaboration, courage, and empathy.
As the countdown to the ceremony continues, the 2026 SAG nominations stand as a testament to the creativity and perseverance that define modern Hollywood — proof that storytelling remains one of America’s most enduring art forms.