The Screen Actors Guild Awards has been officially renamed to ‘The Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA,’ announced on November 14, 2025. This rebranding, effective for the 2026 ceremony, aims to better align the show’s name with its iconic statuette and enhance clarity for global audiences.
In a significant move for one of Hollywood’s key awards shows, SAG-AFTRA revealed on Friday that the SAG Awards will now be known as The Actor Awards. The announcement was made by Jon Brockett, the show’s executive producer, and JoBeth Williams, chair of the union’s Awards Committee, who jointly stated that this change represents ‘a perfect next step in the show’s evolution.’
The primary reason for the name change is to synchronize the show’s title with the name of the award itself, which has always been called ‘The Actor.’ This adjustment is designed to provide immediate understanding for viewers worldwide, particularly as the ceremony streams on Netflix to over 190 countries. By focusing on the core concept of actors honoring actors, the new name eliminates potential confusion about the acronym ‘SAG’ outside industry circles.
Importantly, the fundamental elements of the awards remain unchanged. The voting process, submission guidelines, and eligibility criteria will continue as before, ensuring consistency for the 160,000 SAG-AFTRA members. The show’s format and presentation will also stay the same, with the only alteration being the official nomenclature to ‘The Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA.’
To ease the transition, the union has implemented a grace period for campaign materials. For the current awards season, materials can still use the name Screen Actors Guild Awards until pre-nomination voting concludes on January 5, 2026. After nominations are announced on January 7, 2026, the new name will be promoted, though past winners may continue referring to their awards as SAG Awards during this adjustment phase.
The rebranding also acknowledges the historical context of the SAG-AFTRA merger in 2012, which combined the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. This change fully integrates the merged union’s identity into the awards show, reflecting its broad representation of performers across film and television.
Looking ahead, the name change is expected to strengthen the show’s global appeal and visibility, particularly on streaming platforms. It underscores the union’s dedication to celebrating acting excellence in a manner that resonates internationally. The 32nd edition of The Actor Awards is set for March 1, 2026, and will remain a pivotal event in the awards season, highlighting outstanding performances.
As the industry adapts, the focus remains on honoring the art of acting. This strategic rebranding positions the awards for future growth, ensuring they maintain their prestige while becoming more accessible to a diverse audience. With nominations imminent, the entertainment community anticipates how this evolution will shape the ceremony’s legacy.
