Kristen Bell calls SAG-AFTRA members about Actor Awards name change

The awards show, formerly known as the SAG Awards, will now be called The Actor Awards and air live on Netflix on March 1.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a promotional video, actress Kristen Bell, who is hosting the upcoming Actor Awards, calls various SAG-AFTRA members to inform them of the award show's name change from the SAG Awards to The Actor Awards. The video shows Bell getting mixed reactions from stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Meryl Streep about the new name.

Why it matters

The SAG Awards have long been considered one of the major awards shows in the entertainment industry, recognizing excellence in film and television acting. The name change to The Actor Awards signals a shift in branding and potentially a new direction for the ceremony as it moves to streaming platform Netflix.

The details

The Actor Awards, hosted by Kristen Bell, will air live on Netflix on March 1 at 8 p.m. EST. The show was previously known as the SAG Awards, but is now being rebranded as The Actor Awards. In a promotional video, Bell calls various SAG-AFTRA members, including her "Nobody Wants This" co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as Meryl Streep and Jacob Elordi, to inform them of the name change, receiving mixed reactions.

  • The Actor Awards will air live on Netflix on March 1, 2026 at 8 p.m. EST.
  • Kristen Bell appeared in a promo video for the event on February 10, 2026.

The players

Kristen Bell

An American actress who is hosting The Actor Awards for the third time.

Leonardo DiCaprio

An American actor who co-starred with Kristen Bell in the film "Nobody Wants This".

Meryl Streep

An acclaimed American actress with multiple awards and nominations.

Jacob Elordi

An Australian actor known for his roles in films and television shows.

SAG-AFTRA

The labor union representing film and television actors, which previously presented the SAG Awards.

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What they’re saying

“In a promotion for the Actor Awards, host Kristen Bell calls SAG-AFTRA members to tell them about the award show name change.”

— Upi Staff, Author (upi.com)

What’s next

The Actor Awards will air live on Netflix on March 1, 2026 at 8 p.m. EST, where winners in various film and television acting categories will be announced.

The takeaway

The name change from the SAG Awards to The Actor Awards signals a shift in the prestigious awards show's branding and direction as it moves to the Netflix streaming platform, potentially reaching a wider audience and adapting to changing entertainment industry trends.