SAG Awards 2026 Preview: Top Acting Nominees and Free Picks

Last Updated on February 27, 2026 2:14 pm by Erwin Noguera

The 32nd Annual Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards), is one of the most prestigious events in the entertainment awards season, celebrating outstanding performances in film and television as voted by a membership of more than 160.000 actors.

The 2026 Actor Awards will be hosted by Kristen Bell, marking her third time leading this ceremony. The event features exciting reunions from iconic television series, including The Office and Homeland, adding nostalgic appeal and entertainment value to the broadcast.

A Highlight of the night will be the presentation of the Life Achievement Award to Harrison Ford, honoring his decades of impactful work in film and his contributions to the acting profession.

Watch the 2026 SAG Awards and check out our expert picks for the top acting categories. Plus, explore the best entertainment betting markets and exclusive promotions at Gambyl Casino while awards season heat up.

SAG Awards 2026 Info

SAG Awards 2026 Top Acting Nominees Lead Categories

The nominations for the 2026 Actor Awards reflect a dynamic season for film, with a mix of established stars and breakthrough performances across both motion picture and television categories.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

The competition in the Best Actor category is staked with some of the year’s most acclaimed male performances in film:

Chalamet returns as a frontrunner with a strong awards season behind him, while DiCaprio’s powerhouse performance in a major studio positions him as close competition. Michael B. Jordan’s turn in Sinners also garners considerable buzz and could upset traditional narratives in the category.

We support Timothée Chalamet in this matter. His performance is highly regarded among critics and in guild awards, and he has strong momentum for another significant win.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

The Best Actress race features standout work from seasoned performers and rising actors alike:

Buckley’s acclaimed portrayal in Hannet is widely regarded as a centerpiece of the film awards season; Byrne’s work in a dark comedy has also drawn critical praise. The category reflects a diverse field across genres.

Supporting and Ensemble Categories

Beyond the lead performance races, several films stand out in the supporting and ensemble categories:

Best Supporting Actor contenders include Miles Caton (Sinners), Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn (One Battle After Another), Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein), and Paul Mescal (Hamnet).

Best Supporting Actress nominees include Odessa A’Zion (Marty Supreme), Ariana Grande (Wicked: For Good), Amy Madigan (Weapons), Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), and Teyana Taylor (One Battle after Another).

In the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (ensemble) category, the top-nominated films include Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, and Sinners. Ensemble awards often predict strong momentum for wins in individual acting categories.

Free Picks and Predictions

Best Actor

Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme): His Performance remains a favorite across critics’ circles and guild awards, and he has strong momentum toward another major win.

Best Actress

Jessie Buckley (Hamnet): Buckley’s work has strong critical backing and positions her as a leading contender in a competitive field.

Supporting Categories

Benicio Del Toro (Supporting Actor) and Wunmi Mosaku (Supporting Actress): Del Toro’s layered performance and Mosaku’s standout dramatic work could tip the scales in their favor.

Ensemble Film

One Battle After Another: With the most nominations of any film this year and broad recognition, this ensemble is positioned to capture the ensemble prize, often a bellwether for acting achievement throughout the evening.