Ahead of its 32nd edition on March 1, 2026, the SAG Awards are getting a fresh name: the Actor Awards. This change comes from Jon Brockett, the showrunner, and JoBeth Williams, chair of SAG-AFTRA’s Awards Committee. They see this as a natural evolution in the show’s journey.
While Hollywood knows SAG stands for Screen Actors Guild, many outside the industry weren’t as familiar with it. The SAG Awards have long been a staple on basic cable, but since streaming on Netflix, the organizers have been adapting the format to reach a broader audience. This name change aims to make things clearer for fans worldwide.
In a recent interview, Brockett and Williams addressed common questions about the shift.
Why change the name? They explained that the award has always been called The Actor, so aligning the show’s name with the award felt right. It focuses on honoring actors in both film and TV, making the purpose clear.
What’s changing? The new title is The Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA. While the name is different, the core of the event—actors recognizing their peers—remains unchanged.
Will fans still see it as the SAG Awards? Yes, they believe the essence of the event stays the same. The name might change, but the spirit of the show doesn’t.
Interestingly, the SAG Awards have experienced an upward trend in viewership recently. According to a survey by Nielsen, 60% of people aged 18-34 prefer viewing award shows via streaming, reflecting the shift in audience habits. This change may help attract younger viewers who are more accustomed to digital formats.
Brockett and Williams also highlighted that voters and eligibility criteria won’t change. The transition will be smooth, allowing past winners to still refer to their honors as SAG Awards for some time.
The name change follows a larger trend in the entertainment industry where awards shows aim to stay relevant. As viewing habits evolve, events like the Actor Awards have to adapt, ensuring they reach a global audience while upholding their storied legacy.
In summary, the Actor Awards promise to honor exceptional performances while embracing a new chapter that prioritizes clarity and inclusivity. The future looks bright as they prepare for this exciting evolution in award history.
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Actor Awards,Awards,Netflix,SAG Awards,SAG-AFTRA
