The awards ceremony long known as the SAG Awards is about to undergo a major rebrand. Beginning in 2026, the event will officially be called “The Actor Awards,” presented by the union SAG‑AFTRA. The change was announced at a board meeting and reflects an effort to streamline the show’s identity and better match its iconic statuette, “The Actor.”

Why the Name Change?

The union says the shift was driven by a desire for clearer global recognition. For more than thirty years, the statuette awarded at the show has been titled “The Actor.” By renaming the ceremony to The Actor Awards, the organisers hope to make the purpose of the event instantly understandable to audiences worldwide. While the event began in 1995 and has long been a major milestone in the Hollywood awards season, the new name aims to align legacy with clarity.

Despite the renaming, the format will remain largely the same. Submission, nomination, and voting procedures will not change. The show will continue to be presented by SAG-AFTRA. Broadcasters and producers stress that this is a branding update, not a structural overhaul. While past winners and viewers may still refer to it as the SAG Awards for some time, the organisation says that transition is expected and acceptable

What It Means for the Industry

The rebrand coincides with the show’s streaming shift and efforts to go global. As entertainment consumption moves increasingly online and across borders, a simpler title may help the event reach a wider, more international audience. The Actor Awards continue to carry strong industry weight: winners have frequently gone on to receive major awards later in the season, and the voting body overlaps significantly with other major guilds and academies.

For actors and studios, the change is largely symbolic—but not insignificant. Branding can influence how media and studios reference the event, how campaigns are framed, and how audiences perceive the ceremony. Some participants may still use the old name during the transition period; organisers have indicated that such usage is acceptable while the new title takes hold.

The first broadcast under the new title is scheduled for March 1, 2026, and will continue streaming on Netflix. While the show’s core mission—honouring outstanding performances in film and television—remains unchanged, the updated name may mark a new chapter for the ceremony’s identity and international reach.

In the broader context, this rebrand serves as a reminder that even longstanding traditions in entertainment evolve. As global viewership patterns shift and platforms diversify, awards shows are adapting not just in format but in how they present themselves. For artists, producers and the public, the introduction of The Actor Awards signals that evolution—even if the red carpet and statuettes look much the same as ever.