Last night, the Screen Actors Guild held its first ceremony under the rebranded title “The Actor Awards.” Hosted by Kristen Bell and streamed globally on Netflix, the evening was defined by emotional tributes—most notably to the late Catherine O’Hara—and a seismic shift in the Oscar race. While Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another had been sweeping the guilds (PGA and DGA), it was Sinners that captured the hearts of the 160,000-strong acting union, setting up a thrilling finale for the Academy Awards on March 15.
The Big Film Winners:
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Winner: Sinners
Samuel L. Jackson (4th L) presents the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Award for “Sinners” to (from L) Delroy Lindo, Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, Li Jun Li, Lola Kirke, Francine Maisler, Michael B. Jordan, and Jack O’Connell onstage during the 32nd Annual Actor Awards at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on March 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
This is the “Best Picture” equivalent at the Actor Awards, and it is a massive momentum booster. By defeating the heavily favored One Battle After Another, the cast of Sinners—including Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and Wunmi Mosaku—proved that the “vampire epic” has the broad industry support needed to win big at the Oscars.
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Winner: Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan, winner of the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role award and the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture award for “Sinners,” poses in the press room during the 32nd Annual Actor Awards at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on March 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
In perhaps the biggest shock of the night, Jordan beat out favorite Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), who was looking to become the first actor to win consecutive lead trophies. Jordan’s dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack is now the definitive frontrunner for the Oscar.
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
Jessie Buckley, winner of the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role award for “Hamnet,” poses in the press room during the 32nd Annual Actor Awards at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on March 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Buckley has officially swept the televised precursors. After wins at the Golden Globes and BAFTAs, her SAG win all but guarantees her the Best Actress Oscar. Her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare has been hailed as one of the “performances of the decade.”
Supporting Surprises and Stunt Mastery
Outstanding Supporting Performances
Male: Sean Penn (One Battle After Another)
IMDb
Sean Penn’s win provides the only major trophy for One Battle After Another last night, keeping its Oscar hopes alive. However, he did not attend the ceremony.
Female: Amy Madigan (Weapons)
Amy Madigan, winner of the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role award for “Weapons,” poses in the press room during the 32nd Annual Actor Awards at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on March 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Amy Madigan pulled off a stunning upset over Teyana Taylor, proving that the veteran actress has deep respect within the guild.
Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Tom Cruise’s final outing in the franchise was recognized for its death-defying practical stunts, beating out Sinners and Frankenstein.
