The 2026 Actors Awards (formerly known as the SAG Awards) have come and gone, with the Screen Actors Guild recognizing the best in the industry. The lighthearted and fast-paced ceremony focused on award presentations and speeches rather than lengthy comedies or musicals, but there were also plenty of unexpected moments. Check out some of the night’s biggest snubs and surprises below.
Surprise: Michael B. Jordan steals Best Actor award from Timothée Chalamet
While the biggest story of awards season was Timothée Chalamet’s bid to win an Oscar for his role in “Marty Supreme,” his fellow actors instead chose to celebrate Jordan’s dual role in “Sinners.” After Jordan’s win, “Sinners” also won the night’s Big Ensemble Award.
Surprise: Sean Penn skips awards ceremony and wins Best Actor despite surging support actor campaign
The actor is famous for doing what he wants and not liking to participate in awards season, but for this it seems like he showed up.
Surprise: Michelle Williams wins for ‘Dying for Sex’
Given the overwhelming award success of Adolescence, it was nice to see Williams recognized for her powerful role on the show.
Surprise: Woody Harrelson’s funny speech presenting Harrison Ford with Lifetime Achievement Award
It seemed like an odd pairing at first, but it was fun to watch Harrelson give his unconventional yet warm and friendly speech to his buddy Ford. Plus, he was able to get some fun shots against the legends. It was a really fun time.
Surprise: Uncensored swearing on stage
I’m no Puritan, but given the traditional award show trappings, it was strange to hear host Kristen Bell and several winners casually drop bombshells on Netflix.
Surprise: the lighting was terrible
Sure, all these beautiful people aren’t so orange and sweaty in real life.
Surprise: SAG-AFTRA Chairman Sean Astin praises Ted Sarandos for Netflix’s union support
It’s no surprise that the show aired on the streamer, but the timing was also right, given that contract negotiations are ongoing.
Ignored: Rhea Seehorn’s work in “Pluribus”
Keri Russell is beloved, but with White Lotus voters splitting their votes between Parker Posey and Amy Lou Wood, and sci-fi fans split between Seehorn and Severance star Britt Lauer, Russell appears to be the only survivor.
Surprise: ‘The Last of Us’ wins Best Stunt Ensemble
It’s surprising that the more subdued second season of The Last of Us won the award, considering it went up against the action-packed final seasons of Stranger Things, Andor, and The Squid Game.
