Leading the pack with major wins is Amazon MGM Studios’ highly anticipated sci-fi epic Project Hail Mary, which walked away with the coveted Best Picture trophy. Close behind was the heavily discussed Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, which swept the male acting categories.
Check out the biggest highlights and the full list of winners below!
Space and Pop Royalty Take the Top Prizes
It was a stellar morning for Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who took home Best Director for their masterful handling of Project Hail Mary. The film adaptation of Andy Weir’s hit novel has resonated massively with audiences and critics alike, making it an early anchor for the year’s award conversations.
Meanwhile, Lionsgate’s Michael proved its star power is undeniable. Jaafar Jackson won Best Actor for his transformative portrayal of his real-life uncle, the King of Pop. Adding to the film’s success, Oscar nominee Colman Domingo captured Best Supporting Actor for his fierce performance as the controversial patriarch, Joe Jackson.
A Big Night for Trillers, Horror, and Indie Gems
The acting categories also spotlighted some incredible genre work. Inde Navarrette took home Best Actress for her standout performance in the gripping thriller Obsession, which also locked down the award for Best Horror Feature.
The brilliant screenwriting duo of Rashida Jones and Will McCormack secured Best Screenplay for The Invite, while the legendary Penélope Cruz won Best Supporting Actress for her scene-stealing work in the same film.
About the Astras: The Astra Midseason Movie Awards are voted on by the Hollywood Creative Alliance to honor films released between January 1 and June 26, 2026, while giving fans a glimpse of what’s dominating the cultural conversation heading into the fall.
The Complete List of 2026 Astra Midseason Winners
Best Picture
- WINNER: Project Hail Mary
Best Director
- WINNER: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, Project Hail Mary
Best Actor
- WINNER: Jaafar Jackson, Michael
Best Actress
- WINNER: Inde Navarrette, Obsession
Best Supporting Actor
- WINNER: Colman Domingo, Michael
Best Supporting Actress
- WINNER: Penélope Cruz, The Invite
Best Screenplay
- WINNER: Rashida Jones & Will McCormack, The Invite
Best Horror Feature
- WINNER: Obsession
Best Independent Feature
- WINNER: Leviticus
Best Stunts
- WINNER: The Furious
Most Anticipated Film – Second Half of 2026
- WINNER: The Odyssey
What’s Next?
With The Odyssey claiming the Most Anticipated Film spot, moviegoers are already looking forward to a stacked autumn lineup. If the midseason awards are any indication, the race to the main Astra Awards and next year’s Oscars is going to be wildly unpredictable.
