The newly renamed Actor Awards (yes, that’s really the name) have officially rolled out their 2026 nominations. Born from the bones of the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the newly rebranded ceremony is voted on by SAG-AFTRA members – a uniquely large and democratic voting body made up entirely of actors. Unlike critics’ groups or Academy committees, these awards are shaped by collective taste and peer recognition within the profession: often translating into left-field picks, big-feeling wins, and acceptance speeches that only actors could pull off.
These awards have also long been a key bellwether for the Oscars, and this year’s nominations reaffirm that – albeit with a few chaotic detours. While a few expected frontrunners held their ground, the noticeable absence of several international performers who’ve dominated recent award circuits had many dubbing it the ‘American Actor Awards.’ Timothée Chalamet continues his march toward what could finally be his year, while Jessie Buckley appears one step closer to locking an unstoppable sweep. In contrast, ‘Wicked: For Good’ may be headed for one of the more surprising shutouts in recent memory. Read on for the biggest surprises, snubs, and what it all means for the Oscars race.
Read More: ‘Wicked: For Good’ Review – When Friendship Is The Strongest Spell
Snub: Cynthia Erivo – ‘Wicked: For Good’ (Lead Female Actor)
Well, this one stings – but it might also be the final nail in ‘Wicked: For Good’s’ awards-season coffin. With Cynthia Erivo missing from the Actor Awards nominations, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the film’s much-hyped Oscar campaign is losing air fast. Still, this year’s Lead Actress category is fiercely stacked – arguably one of the most competitive in recent memory – and Erivo’s omission feels less like an indictment of her performance and more like unfortunate collateral damage in a race filled with powerhouse turns.
Surprise: Kate Hudson – ‘Song Sung Blue’ (Lead Female Actor)
Consider this one a pleasant curveball: Kate Hudson landing a nomination for ‘Song Sung Blue’ shows that sometimes goodwill really does go a long way. While the film itself flew mostly under the radar, Hudson’s turn clearly struck a chord with her peers – a reminder that the Actor Awards often favour sentiment and industry affection as much as critical consensus. In a field this crowded, it’s the textbook example of how far a little industry love – and long-earned respect – can carry you.
Snub: Wagner Moura – ‘The Secret Agent’ (Lead Male Actor)
After scoring Golden Globe and Critics Choice noms, Wagner Moura seemed poised to keep his momentum rolling – making his absence here one of the biggest head-scratchers. His performance in ‘The Secret Agent’ had all the makings of following fellow Brazilian Fernanda Torres’ trajectory last year as a season dark horse. But alas, just like Torres, the Actor Awards voting body leaned toward domestic favourites, and Moura’s omission only fuels the narrative that international contenders were largely sidelined this year.
Surprise: Jesse Plemons – ‘Bugonia’ (Lead Male Actor)
In a turn that’s sure to make cinephiles smile, Jesse Plemons made it into the Lead Male category for ‘Bugonia’ – a film that, until now, looked destined to only score recognition for star Emma Stone. Plemons’ nuanced, devastating performance had been somewhat overshadowed by Stone’s showier turn, but this nomination suggests his work hasn’t gone unnoticed by his fellow actors. It’s an unexpected nod that not only validates Plemons as one of the best working actors today, but also keeps ‘Bugonia’s’ Oscar hopes alive after months of fading buzz.
Snub: Jeremy Allen White – ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere’ (Lead Male Actor)
If last year’s Timothée Chalamet-as-Bob Dylan win felt like it might kick off a new wave of music-biopic love, Jeremy Allen White’s missing nomination for ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere’ suggests that momentum may already be cooling. Despite strong early chatter and a performance praised for its gravelly sincerity and physical intensity, White couldn’t crack the Actor Awards lineup. It may simply be biopic fatigue setting in sooner than expected, leaving what once looked like a near-lock stuck on the longlists.
Surprise: Odessa A’zion – ‘Marty Supreme’ (Supporting Female Actor)
One of the season’s nicest surprises came courtesy of Odessa A’zion, whose supporting turn in ‘Marty Supreme’ earned a well-deserved nod – and added a jolt of momentum to the 2026 race. While most of the film’s attention has centred on Timothée Chalamet’s awards-season run, A’zion’s performance clearly struck a chord with fellow actors. It’s exactly the sort of breakout acknowledgement the Actor Awards can elevate – and a sign that the ‘Marty Supreme’ support may go deeper this season than many expected.
Snub: Dwayne Johnson – ‘The Smashing Machine’ (Lead Male Actor)
Once touted as Dwayne Johnson’s most transformative role to date, his omission for ‘The Smashing Machine’ is one of the biggest shocks. Critics hailed it as an awards-friendly pivot – gritty, introspective, and fully committed. But despite strong festival heat, the Actor Awards voters didn’t bite. Maybe the film’s muted box office, or simply a crowded Lead Male field, blunted its run – either way, this snub puts a hard pause on what looked set to be Johnson’s long-awaited prestige moment.
Surprise: Miles Caton – ‘Sinners’ (Supporting Male Actor)
While the love for ‘Sinners’ has been loud this awards season, few predicted Miles Caton would make it this far – which makes his Supporting Male Actor nomination all the sweeter. His vulnerable, scene-stealing turn clearly landed with fellow actors, and this recognition plays like a coronation for a talent many have pegged as one to watch. It’s still hard to say whether Caton can carry this momentum to the Oscar shortlist, but guild recognition like this can shift a career overnight – turning a breakout discovery into a real contender.
Snub: ‘Sentimental Value’
One of the biggest shocks in the acting and ensemble races was the complete shutout of ‘Sentimental Value’ and its cast – despite being a critical and fan favourite long seen as tailor-made for ensemble love. Whether it fell victim to vote-splitting or simply got drowned out by flashier contenders, its omission is a sharp reminder of just how competitive – and unpredictable – this year’s film field has become.
Surprise: ‘Landman’ (Drama Series Ensemble)
In a sea of familiar contenders within the television field, ‘Landman’ landing a spot in the Drama Series Ensemble lineup was one of the Actor Awards’ bigger surprises. While the show didn’t rack up nominations elsewhere, this one suggests the cast struck a chord with fellow performers. Guild voters often gravitate toward ensembles that feel lived-in and locked-in, and Landman seems to hit that sweet spot. It’s a welcome bit of recognition that gives the series a fresh boost it hasn’t found elsewhere.
Surprise: Chase Infiniti – ‘One Battle After Another’ (Lead Female Actor)
Awards season wouldn’t be complete without at least one ingénue making waves, and this year it’s Chase Infiniti, whose standout performance in ‘One Battle After Another’ has officially put her on Hollywood’s radar. While her co-stars and veteran creatives have dominated much of the conversation around the film’s success, Infiniti’s inclusion here proves her role was the emotional core. This nomination could be the start of a major ascent as she heads toward the Oscars.
Snub: ‘Wicked: For Good’ (Outstanding Cast)
Perhaps the most telling absence of all – ‘Wicked: For Good’ being left out of Outstanding Cast has made one thing painfully clear: the cast, and the film itself, have lost their awards-season footing. Once poised to be one of the season’s biggest frontrunners, this snub all but extinguishes any faint glimmer of an Oscar resurgence. Even with its glossy production and star power, the film couldn’t charm a guild that usually loves big, emotional teamwork on screen. Wicked’s path forward is unfortunately looking anything but magical.
Born in Korea and raised in Hong Kong, Min Ji has combined her degree in anthropology and creative writing with her passion for going on unsolicited tangents as an editor at Friday Club. In between watching an endless amount of movies, she enjoys trying new cocktails and pastas while occasionally snapping a few pictures.
