Hollywood's SAG Awards announces it will change its name

November 14, 2025

The Screen Actors Guild Awards is undergoing a rebranding to become the Actor Awards presented by Sag-Aftra, aligning the ceremony's name with its iconic statue called "The Actor. " The change aims to make the show's purpose clearer to its expanding global audience across more than 190 countries, as many international viewers don't recognize the union's acronym but understand what actor-focused programming entails. This rebranding also allows the organization to better reflect the 2012 merger between the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Who is affected

Sag-Aftra union members (approximately 160,000 film, television, and radio actors)
Global television audiences in more than 190 countries who watch the awards show
The awards show's executive producer Jon Brockett and awards committee chair JoBeth Williams
Award winners and nominees who receive recognition at the ceremony
Sean Astin (newly elected union leader) and Fran Drescher (outgoing president)

What action is being taken

The awards ceremony is being rebranded from the SAG Awards to the Actor Awards presented by Sag-Aftra.

Why it matters

The name change is significant because it makes the show's identity and purpose immediately clear to international audiences who may not understand the union acronym but recognize "Actor Awards" as programming featuring their favorite performers. The rebranding also properly acknowledges the 2012 merger between SAG and Aftra, bringing the show's name into alignment with both the union's current identity and the trophy itself. Additionally, the awards ceremony serves as an important precursor to the Academy Awards, helping to shape the Oscars race each year.

What's next

The rebranded ceremony, the Actor Awards presented by Sag-Aftra, will debut at its 32nd edition on March 1, 2026.

Read full article from source: BBC