The 2026 Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, kicked off with a delightful and humorous red carpet moment that captured the hearts of onlookers and photographers alike. Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, 51, and his partner Keri Russell, 49, turned a simple wardrobe adjustment into an animated exchange full of chemistry and laughter.
A Cheeky and Charming Interaction
As the couple posed for striking photographs, Russell, star of The Diplomat, hilariously directed Rhys on where to fan the flowing train of her elegant black gown to ensure it was picture-perfect. Rhys, a nominee in the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series category for The Beast In Me, couldn't resist larking around, sharing a laugh with the sea of photographers who eagerly captured the playful scene.
Glamorous Styles and Enduring Partnership
Russell epitomized class in a one-shoulder black dress with a cascading train, complemented by elegant black stilettos and statement diamond pendant earrings. Meanwhile, Rhys cut a smart look in a brown suit and matching silky shirt. The couple, who have been in a relationship since meeting on the set of the FX spy drama The Americans in 2014, showcased their effortless connection, delighting fans with their genuine interaction.
High-Stakes Competition and Notable Nominees
In his category, Rhys faces stiff competition from Jason Bateman for Black Rabbit, Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham for Adolescence, and Charlie Hunnam for Monster: The Ed Gein Story. The awards ceremony, hosted for the third time by Kristen Bell, streams live on Netflix and honors performers across 28 categories in film, television, and limited series.
Film and Television Highlights
On the film side, One Battle After Another leads with seven nominations, followed by Sinners with five. The Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role category features Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, and Jesse Plemons for Bugonia.
For Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, nominees include Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, and Emma Stone for Bugonia. Supporting categories boast names like Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, Odessa A’Zion, Ariana Grande, Amy Madigan, Wunmi Mosaku, and Teyana Taylor.
Television Battlegrounds and Surprises
In television, The Studio dominates comedy with five nominations, competing against Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, and Only Murders in the Building for ensemble honors. Drama categories feature intense races with The White Lotus, Severance, The Diplomat, The Pitt, and Landman vying for top ensemble awards.
Notable snubs sparked controversy, including Cynthia Erivo's absence for Wicked: For Good and omissions like Gwyneth Paltrow and Dwayne Johnson. However, pleasant surprises such as supporting nominations for Odessa A’Zion and Wunmi Mosaku added excitement to the roster.
Special Honors and Future Representation
Adding gravitas to the evening, Hollywood legend Harrison Ford will receive the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award, recognized for his iconic roles in franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Representing the next generation, Bridgerton breakout Yerin Ha serves as this year’s Ambassador for The Actor Awards, emphasizing the event's focus on actors celebrating their peers.
The rebranded Actor Awards, designed to align with its iconic statuette 'The Actor' and sharpen its global identity, continues to spotlight performers in a highly competitive awards season, blending glamour, talent, and heartfelt moments like Rhys and Russell's red carpet antics.
