Hollywood, March 2, 2026: The 2026 Oscars are starting to feel closer than ever as Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley strengthened their frontrunner positions with major wins at this year’s Actors awards, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Jordan claimed best lead male actor for his dual role in the vampire thriller Sinners, while Buckley took best lead female actor for her haunting performance in Hamnet.
Jordan’s win over early favourite Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme) signals a major shift in the Oscars conversation. On stage, he paid tribute to longtime collaborator Ryan Coogler and thanked fellow performers who watched him grow up in the spotlight. Sinners also earned the big screen ensemble award, with Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku, and the rest of the cast celebrating a rare moment of industry recognition.
Oscars Watch: Actors Awards Point to Jordan and Buckley Favorites
Jessie Buckley, riding a wave of awards-season success after BAFTA and Golden Globe wins, reflected on her journey: “I have been categorically changed by so many people in this room and beyond.” Her consistent momentum positions her as a serious contender for the Academy’s top honour.
Supporting categories also offered surprises. Sean Penn won best supporting male actor for One Battle After Another, while Amy Madigan upset favourite Teyana Taylor in the supporting female actor category for Weapons.
Television also shook up predictions for Emmy-style recognition, with Apple’s satirical series The Studio sweeping comedy awards. Seth Rogen edged out co-star Ike Barinholtz for best male actor in a comedy series, and a poignant posthumous award for Catherine O’Hara reminded the audience of the industry’s enduring legacy.
Drama series honours went to the cast of The Pitt, with Noah Wyle winning best male actor in a drama series and using his speech to salute the work of labour unions. Meanwhile, Netflix’s teen hit Adolescence made history as Owen Cooper, 16, became the youngest male actor winner in a limited series category. Michelle Williams took best female actor in a limited series for Dying for Sex.
Veteran actors also had their moment. Keri Russell won her first Actors award for The Diplomat, and Hollywood legend Harrison Ford received the life achievement award, presented by Woody Harrelson, who called him “a true renaissance man.”
With these Actors awards results, Hollywood insiders are reading the room: Jordan and Buckley are now the names to watch as the Oscars draw nearer. Their performances, coupled with ensemble recognition, give Academy voters a clear signal, and the awards season storylines are only getting more exciting.
Hosted by Kristen Bell and broadcast live on Netflix, the ceremony was a mix of triumphs for both emerging stars and industry veterans, a perfect prelude to the Oscars showdown.