The 2026 SAG Awards, rebranded as the Actor Awards, introduced its first red carpet dress code themed around 1920s and 1930s Hollywood glamour. Held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, the event celebrated outstanding performances with winners including the cast of Sinners and Michael B. Jordan. Attendees mixed interpretations of the theme amid a backdrop of recent runway fashion.
The 2026 SAG Actor Awards took place on Sunday at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, marking the ceremony's rebrand to the Actor Awards. For the first time, organizers issued a red carpet dress code: “Reimagining Hollywood Glamour from the ’20s and ’30s.” This aimed to unify the often experimental looks at non-Oscars events, drawing from historical precedents like the 1968 Academy Awards' formal gown request by Edith Head and the 2021 Oscars' preference for formal attire.
However, the theme's breadth—spanning flapper styles of the Roaring Twenties to the bias-cut silhouettes of the 1930s—led to varied interpretations. Jasmine Savoy Brown wore a gilded Zuhair Murad gown, while Kristen Bell opted for Georges Hobeika. Yerin Ha chose a fringed Balenciaga top evoking flappers, and Sarah Catherine Hook donned a purple Balenciaga gown with blue gloves. Some, like Chase Infiniti in a Louis Vuitton mermaid dress with a Josephine Baker-inspired headpiece, blended historical nods with modern flair. Critics noted the code burdened actors and stylists, with brand deals often overriding it, and many ignored the theme entirely. Black-tie remains the assumed standard, questioning the need for mandates.
Winners included the cast of Sinners for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture, and Michael B. Jordan for best lead male actor, beating Timothée Chalamet. “I’m still in shock,” Jordan told Vogue. “To win this award as a longtime SAG-AFTRA member... I feel seen.” Noah Wyle won twice for The Pitt, including lead drama actor and best ensemble. Michelle Williams took best female actor for Dying for Sex, Amy Madigan for supporting role in Weapons, and Sarah Paulson for ensemble in The Studio. Parker Posey, nominated for The White Lotus, wore a pink Gucci chiffon gown and praised the event's tributes, including Harrison Ford's.
Fashion drew from recent runways, with black and white dominating. Jenna Ortega's Christian Cowan slip dress featured a high slit, and Demi Moore's Schiaparelli couture had an alligator front and frothy back. The after-party, presented by Elle, continued the glamour with palm trees and chandeliers. Jordan danced with co-stars to Whitney Houston, while Keri Russell, a first-time winner, planned further celebrations. “It’s very moving to be recognized by your peers,” she said.
