SAG-AFTRA Rebrands Awards as The Actor Awards to Enhance Recognition

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has announced a rebranding of its prestigious awards ceremony, now called The Actor Awards. This change aims to provide clearer recognition of the event’s focus on celebrating acting talent, both for domestic and international audiences.

The Actor Awards, which will be held on March 1, 2024, serves as a key indicator for the upcoming Academy Awards, especially in performance categories. The ceremony is broadcast live globally by Netflix, and takes place just two weeks before the Oscars. The new name reflects the statuettes awarded to honorees each year, further emphasizing the show’s commitment to actors.

SAG-AFTRA has confirmed that the voting, submission, and eligibility rules for the awards will remain unchanged. Additionally, materials labeled “For Your Consideration” will continue to use the previous Screen Actors Guild Awards name until the current pre-nomination voting period concludes on January 5, 2024.

Jon Brockett, the showrunner and executive producer of The Actor Awards, expressed enthusiasm about the rebranding. He stated, “Since the beginning, our statue has been called ‘The Actor’ and we’re a show that’s entirely about actors, so this new name is a perfect next step in the show’s evolution. The Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA gives viewers in 190-plus countries an immediate understanding of who we are and what we’re about.”

JoBeth Williams, chair of the Actor Awards committee and a long-time SAG-AFTRA member, echoed Brockett’s sentiments. She highlighted the importance of the awards being actor-focused, noting, “Actors voting for actors” signifies a deep understanding of the craft involved in performance. Williams emphasized that the rebranding clearly communicates to audiences that they will witness their favorite actors celebrated by those who truly appreciate their work.

With this transformation, SAG-AFTRA aims to strengthen the identity of the awards and reinforce the importance of recognizing the contributions of actors in the entertainment industry. The Actor Awards is poised to continue its legacy as a significant precursor to the Academy Awards, showcasing the talent and dedication of performers from around the world.