The SAG Nominations 2026 have arrived, spotlighting a remarkable year of film and television that redefined Hollywood storytelling. The Screen Actors Guild Awards, presented by SAG-AFTRA, honor the best performances across both mediums — and this year’s list reflects an extraordinary blend of artistry, resilience, and innovation following a time of great change in the entertainment industry.
From blockbuster hits that reignited box offices to streaming series that captured cultural conversation, the 2026 nominations reveal a landscape where bold performances and diverse voices take center stage.
A Year of Resurgence for Hollywood
The announcement of this year’s SAG Awards nominees marks a major milestone for the film and television community. After a turbulent period of strikes, production delays, and industry restructuring, the creative sector is thriving once again.
Actors, writers, and directors have returned to work with renewed purpose, resulting in one of the most dynamic award seasons in recent memory. The SAG Awards, which celebrate performances chosen by fellow actors, perfectly capture that revitalized spirit.
This year’s nominations showcase the evolution of modern storytelling — with fresh faces earning recognition alongside industry veterans. Genres once considered niche are now mainstream, and ensemble casts represent cultures and communities that reflect the world audiences live in today.
Film Categories: A Fusion of Artistry and Impact
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
The SAG ensemble award remains one of the most prestigious honors in film because it celebrates collaboration. It’s not about one star — it’s about how a cast connects, communicates, and brings a story to life together.
This year’s nominees demonstrate that excellence in acting is often a collective effort.
Nominees:
- Oppenheimer – Christopher Nolan’s gripping historical drama brings together Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., and Florence Pugh in a haunting portrayal of power and consequence.
- Barbie – Greta Gerwig’s creative satire combines humor, visual spectacle, and heart, with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling leading a vibrant ensemble.
- Killers of the Flower Moon – Martin Scorsese’s masterful exploration of greed and betrayal features Lily Gladstone, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert De Niro.
- Poor Things – Yorgos Lanthimos’s visually daring narrative spotlights Emma Stone’s fearless transformation in a surreal yet deeply human story.
- The Holdovers – Alexander Payne’s character-driven gem showcases Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Sessa in a heartwarming and witty ensemble piece.
Each film’s nomination represents a moment where actors elevated the script into something unforgettable — through collaboration, chemistry, and collective storytelling.
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
This year’s lineup of leading men reveals performances defined by vulnerability and precision. These actors embody their characters with such authenticity that their work transcends the screen.
Nominees:
- Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer
- Leonardo DiCaprio – Killers of the Flower Moon
- Paul Giamatti – The Holdovers
- Colman Domingo – Rustin
- Bradley Cooper – Maestro
Each contender delivered transformative performances, with Murphy’s quiet intensity and Domingo’s emotional depth standing out as career-defining turns. Giamatti’s nuanced humor, DiCaprio’s restrained anguish, and Cooper’s layered portrayal of Leonard Bernstein make this one of the strongest actor races of the past decade.
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
The leading actress category underscores the artistic power of women driving modern cinema. Each nominee crafted a performance rooted in emotional truth, reflecting themes of identity, independence, and resilience.
Nominees:
- Emma Stone – Poor Things
- Lily Gladstone – Killers of the Flower Moon
- Margot Robbie – Barbie
- Carey Mulligan – Maestro
- Fantasia Barrino – The Color Purple
Stone’s bold, physical transformation, Gladstone’s quiet strength, and Robbie’s magnetic charisma have all generated critical acclaim. Each performance brings a distinct tone and message, showcasing the unmatched range of women in contemporary cinema.
Television: The Era of Peak Storytelling
Television continues to evolve as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic platforms, and the 2026 SAG nominations recognize shows that pushed boundaries while capturing global audiences.
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
This category highlights the collaborative energy of long-form storytelling. The nominated series reveal how television has become a space for profound character development and complex narratives.
Nominees:
- Succession
- The Crown
- The Last of Us
- The Morning Show
- The Gilded Age
Succession’s final season captivated viewers with its intense family dynamics, while The Last of Us redefined video game adaptations through emotional storytelling. The Morning Show and The Crown delivered their most powerful seasons yet, and The Gilded Age showcased period drama at its finest.
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Comedy remains a cornerstone of television, and the 2026 nominations honor both long-running favorites and breakout hits that defined the year’s humor and heart.
Nominees:
- Ted Lasso
- Abbott Elementary
- Only Murders in the Building
- The Bear
- Barry
From the feel-good optimism of Ted Lasso to the culinary chaos of The Bear, this year’s contenders prove that comedy can be as emotionally resonant as drama. Abbott Elementary continues to lead with sharp writing and authentic charm, while Barry and Only Murders in the Building blur the lines between comedy and suspense.
Recognizing Individual Brilliance in Television
Male Actor in a Drama Series
- Pedro Pascal – The Last of Us
- Jeremy Strong – Succession
- Brian Cox – Succession
- Kieran Culkin – Succession
- Sterling K. Brown – This Is Us
The final season of Succession dominates this category, showcasing how the ensemble’s chemistry powered its success. Pascal’s emotionally rich performance in The Last of Us adds a touch of tenderness to an otherwise apocalyptic world.
Female Actor in a Drama Series
- Sarah Snook – Succession
- Bella Ramsey – The Last of Us
- Jennifer Aniston – The Morning Show
- Elizabeth Debicki – The Crown
- Christine Baranski – The Good Fight
Snook’s performance as Shiv Roy drew widespread praise, and Bella Ramsey’s breakout year cemented her as one of the most promising young talents on television.
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
White’s portrayal of a driven young chef earned universal acclaim, while Sudeikis and Hader closed out their beloved shows on emotional high notes.
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
Edebiri’s rising star power, Brunson’s comedic precision, and Lyonne’s commanding screen presence highlight a category brimming with range and personality.
Celebrating Stunt Performers and Action Teams
The SAG Awards continue to honor stunt performers — professionals whose physical artistry brings intensity and realism to film and television.
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 showcase the precision, endurance, and teamwork behind action filmmaking — a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of visual storytelling.
Emerging Talent: New Faces Shaping the Future
The 2026 nominations also spotlight a new generation of actors redefining Hollywood’s future. Breakthrough performers like Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us), and Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon) represent a more inclusive, innovative era for American entertainment.
Their work exemplifies how diversity and authenticity are not just trends — they are the foundation of great storytelling. The emergence of Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and international voices across this year’s nominees signals a lasting cultural shift within Hollywood’s creative ecosystem.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Honoring Angela Bassett
The Screen Actors Guild has selected Angela Bassett as the 2026 recipient of the SAG Life Achievement Award. Her recognition celebrates decades of groundbreaking work across film and television, from What’s Love Got to Do with It to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Bassett’s influence transcends performance — she represents perseverance, strength, and the enduring power of representation. Her award is both a tribute to her artistry and an acknowledgment of her leadership as an advocate for diversity in Hollywood.
The Broader Cultural Impact of the SAG Nominations
The SAG Awards hold a unique place in awards season because they reflect how actors view their peers’ work. These nominations often predict Academy Award outcomes, but they also carry a deeper meaning: they highlight the humanity behind performance.
The SAG Nominations 2026 mirror the cultural conversations happening across the country. Stories about identity, justice, resilience, and humor resonated with audiences navigating their own post-pandemic realities. Whether through sweeping historical dramas or grounded workplace comedies, the year’s nominees connected viewers across demographics and platforms.
In a time when entertainment faces constant reinvention, these nominations reinforce that storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools for empathy and understanding.
Industry Revival and Creative Renaissance
The road to the 2026 SAG Awards was marked by significant transformation. Following labor negotiations that reshaped the entertainment landscape, Hollywood entered a new chapter emphasizing collaboration, respect, and fair representation.
Studios and performers alike have embraced innovative production models, and streaming platforms continue to evolve their approach to distribution and content creation. The result is a creative ecosystem that feels more balanced, inclusive, and forward-looking than ever before.
This resurgence isn’t just about economics — it’s about passion. The nominations reflect a year when artistry took precedence over algorithms, and when audiences rallied around stories that inspired, challenged, and comforted.
Red Carpet Anticipation and Ceremony Details
As excitement builds for the upcoming ceremony in Los Angeles, the SAG Awards are poised to deliver a night that blends glamour with authenticity. The red carpet will feature returning stars and first-time nominees eager to celebrate a year of remarkable achievements.
Fashion experts anticipate sustainable and ethically designed couture dominating the evening, as more actors embrace environmentally conscious fashion choices. The ceremony itself will continue its legacy as one of Hollywood’s most relaxed and collegial events — a gathering where performers honor each other’s craft in a spirit of genuine respect.
Why the SAG Awards Matter
Unlike many industry ceremonies, the Screen Actors Guild Awards stand out for their peer-driven voting process. The recognition comes directly from fellow actors, making each nomination a reflection of professional admiration and authenticity.
Winning a SAG Award often carries emotional weight because it signifies acknowledgment from colleagues who understand the craft’s challenges — the long hours, the vulnerability, and the creative risk involved in every role.
For audiences, the awards offer a glimpse into the artistry behind performances that move them. For actors, they are an affirmation of purpose.
Looking Ahead to the Ceremony
As Hollywood prepares for the SAG Awards broadcast, predictions are already swirling about potential winners. Oppenheimer and Barbie are seen as front-runners in film, while Succession and The Bear dominate television discussions.
Yet, if history has taught us anything, the Screen Actors Guild Awards often deliver surprises. The emotional resonance of a performance can outweigh industry expectations, and voters frequently reward the humanity that shines through the craft.
Regardless of outcomes, the 2026 SAG Awards promise a celebration of storytelling at its finest — a night dedicated to the people who bring scripts to life with authenticity and heart.
The SAG Nominations 2026 reflect an industry reborn — one where creativity, inclusivity, and resilience define the future of performance. In honoring these exceptional artists, the awards remind us why acting remains one of the most powerful forms of connection in modern culture.