Actor Awards Snubs and Surprises: Michael B. Jordan Wins and More
Variety
by William EarlMarch 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, delivered a mix of surprises and snubs that kept entertainment enthusiasts on their toes. Among the biggest surprises was Michael B. Jordan’s win for Best Actor for his dual role in *Sinners*, which overshadowed Timothée Chalamet’s widely anticipated recognition for *Marty Supreme*. The ceremony also saw Sean Penn skipping despite winning an award, a decision that raised eyebrows given his past ambivalence toward award shows. Meanwhile, Michelle Williams’ win for her role in *Dying for Sex* brought deserved attention to her standout performance amidst the dominance of *Adolescence*.
The night was filled with unexpected moments, including Woody Harrelson’s humorous and heartfelt speech honoring Harrison Ford with the Life Achievement Award. Surprisingly, several winners and even the host, Kristen Bell, let their guard down with uncensored language on stage—a rare departure from traditional award show decorum. The ceremony also faced criticism for its lackluster lighting, which left attendees looking less than glamorous.
In a notable snub, Rhea Seehorn’s compelling performance in *Pluribus* was overlooked, with voters seemingly splitting their support among other nominees like Keri Russell and Aimee Lou Wood. This omission highlighted the challenges of awards voting processes and sparked discussions about whether certain performances are underappreciated by Academy members.
The event also celebrated achievements in television, with *The Last of Us* taking home
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Originally published on Variety on 3/2/2026