The Actor Awards are officially entering a new chapter in 2026. The event was known as the SAG Awards. It is now giving itself a new name and, for the first time, a showrunner.According to reports, the decision to change comes after a period of internal discussions to streamline the Actor Awards' global recognition. The 32nd edition is now all set to take place on Sunday, March 1, 2026. SAG AFTRA has also confirmed its official production team.The Actor Awards will be returning to Netflix for the third consecutive year. Jon Brockett has worked on the show for two decades. He has now been officially promoted to showrunner. He will also continue his role as an executive producer.Notably, this is going to be the first time the awards have formally had a showrunner. The Actor Awards, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, began in 1995 to recognize performers in film and television.The physical trophy has always been called The Actor. After the merger between SAG and AFTRA, the union presented the show under the SAG Awards name. In 2025. It was announced that the SAG Awards would officially become The Actor Awards presented by SAG AFTRA.As Jon Brockett and SAG AFTRA Awards Committee chair JoBeth Williams said jointly, the updated name is "a perfect next step in the show's evolution." Jon stated:"Since the beginning, our statue has been called The Actor, and we are a show that's entirely about actors, so this new name is a perfect next step in the show's evolution. Since the show started over 30 years ago, our iconic statuette has always been called The Actor, and simply evolving the show's name to align with the award itself made obvious sense. We wanted to provide clearer recognition in terms of what the show is about for our domestic and global audiences we honour actors in film and television." View this post on Instagram Instagram PostSAG AFTRA's latest official Instagram post reads:"SAG-AFTRA is shaping how technology and artistry move forward, keeping performers at the center of innovation. Check out the SAG-AFTRA magazine to see how your union has been addressing A.I.'s impact since 2017: link in bio."The post continued:"Image Description: 1. Two digital faces facing each other with icons representing A.I., justice scales, fingerprint, courthouse, and gavel in circles between them. 2. On a blue background with a string of lights. In the center, the SAG-AFTRA magazine cover with Sean Astin."The Actor Awards 2026: The production team and what changesSAG AFTRA has officially confirmed the official production team for the 32nd annual Actor Awards. The event will stream live on Netflix from the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on Sunday, March 1, at 8 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. PT. Silent House Productions will return for the third year, with Baz Halpin, Mark Bracco, and Linda Gierahn continuing as executive producers. Jon Brockett's new role as showrunner was announced alongside his existing position as executive producer.As showrunner, Jon Brockett will oversee related operations, including SAG AFTRA's Special Projects department. Multiple new creatives are also joining the production team. DGA Award winner Russell Norman, whose work includes America's Got Talent and the Friends reunion special, will direct the ceremony. Matt Steinbrenner has become the production designer. Steven Murphy will serve as head writer for the 2026 Actor Awards.Alongside them, the SAG AFTRA committee members JoBeth Williams, Daryl Anderson, Jason George, Woody Schultz, Elizabeth McLaughlin, and Joely Fisher will serve as producers for the union. Jeneine Doucette White is the co-executive producer, Benn Fleishman is the producer, and Jen Coyne Hoerle will return as supervising producer. Andrew Dockser will join as creative producer.Gloria Fujita O Brien will return as consulting producer. Adam Cohen and Jeremy Tominberg will continue as line producers. Maggie Barrett Caulfield will return as head of talent and co-producer. Sarah Cowperthwaite and Joe Petrovich will work as talent producers for the 2026 Actor Awards.Also Read: African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Awards 2025: Complete list of winners exploredPGA Awards 2026 documentary nominees and Innovation Award finalists: Complete list explored