Actor Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Film and Television Performance
The Actor Awards, known from 1995 until 2025 as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, represent one of the most prestigious honors in the American entertainment industry. Presented by SAG-AFTRA (the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), these accolades recognize outstanding achievements in both motion pictures and primetime television.
Unlike many other industry prizes, these awards are unique because they are voted on by the performers themselves. This peer-recognition system makes the Actor Awards a significant indicator of success for the Academy Awards in acting categories.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1995 to honor film and primetime television performances.
- Governing Body: Presented by SAG-AFTRA.
- Voting Process: Nominations are selected by two committees of 2,100 randomly chosen union members; winners are voted on by the full membership (165,000 as of 2012).
- The Trophy: A 16-inch solid bronze statuette called "The Actor," depicting a nude male figure holding masks of comedy and tragedy.
- Broadcasting Evolution: Transitioned from NBC and TNT/TBS to Netflix and YouTube.
The Evolution of the Ceremony
The inaugural ceremony took place on February 25, 1995, at Universal Studios' Stage 12. Over the decades, the event moved to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and eventually found a long-term home at the Shrine Auditorium. A milestone in the show's presentation occurred in 2018 when Kristen Bell became the first-ever host of the ceremony.
The awards have also seen a shift in media coverage. After years of airing on NBC (1995–1997) and TNT (1998–2022), the event moved to digital platforms. In 2023, the ceremony was livestreamed via Netflix on YouTube, and starting in 2024, Netflix became the primary live broadcaster.
Award Categories
The Actor Awards are divided into three primary areas of recognition: Film, Television, and Life Achievement.
Film Categories
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
- Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble
Television Categories
- Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
- Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series
Life Achievement
The Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award is a non-competitive honor bestowed upon individuals for their career-long contributions to the acting profession.
Record-Breaking Performances and Superlatives
Certain films and television shows have dominated the awards over the years. In the film category, Everything Everywhere All at Once holds the record for the most wins for a single film, taking home four awards, including the ensemble prize. Shakespeare in Love and One Battle After Another are the only films to receive nominations in every eligible category.
In television, 30 Rock leads all shows with 12 total wins, while The Sopranos and Frasier share the record for the most nominations with 26 each.
Individual performers have also left a lasting mark. Julia Louis-Dreyfus holds the record for the most total wins with 9. When looking strictly at individual categories (excluding ensemble wins), Alec Baldwin leads with 7 wins.
In terms of nominations, Edie Falco is the most nominated performer in the history of the awards, with 22 total nominations and 14 in individual categories.
| Category | Leader | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Most Total Wins (Actor) | Julia Louis-Dreyfus | 9 Wins |
| Most Individual Wins (Actor) | Alec Baldwin | 7 Wins |
| Most Total Nominations (Actor) | Edie Falco | 22 Nominations |
| Most Wins (TV Show) | 30 Rock | 12 Wins |
| Most Nominations (TV Show) | The Sopranos / Frasier | 26 Nominations |
| Most Wins (Single Film) | Everything Everywhere All at Once | 4 Wins |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the SAG Awards and the Actor Awards?
There is no difference in the award itself; the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards were officially renamed the Actor Awards in November 2025.
Who votes for the winners of the Actor Awards?
The winners are voted on by the full membership of SAG-AFTRA, which numbered 165,000 as of 2012. Nominations are determined by two randomly selected committees of 2,100 members each.
What does "The Actor" trophy represent?
The trophy is a 16-inch solid bronze statuette of a nude male figure holding both the mask of comedy and the mask of tragedy, symbolizing the duality of the acting craft.
Which actors have received the most nominations in a single year?
Jamie Foxx (2005), Maggie Smith (2013), and Chadwick Boseman (2020) each achieved the rare feat of receiving four nominations in a single year.
Where can I watch the Actor Awards now?
Since 2024, the awards have been aired live on Netflix.