The Screen Actors Guild’s 2026 Actor Awards were a star-studded affair, but several of Hollywood’s biggest names were missing in action.
The Actor Awards were held Sunday, March 1, at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, and hosted by Kristen Bell.
“There’s something that feels so special and divine about … [having] the opportunity to be given the stage and entertain in front of a group of entertainers that I admire,” the Nobody Wants This actress, 45, told Tudum in a statement last month. “I’m just very grateful that it’s me, because I like entertaining, and I like being goofy, and I like making people smile. So to be given this stage, it feels like an award in and of itself.”
Bell was joined by many of the Actor Awards nominees, including Timothée Chalamet, Kate Hudson, Teyana Taylor, Odessa A’zion, Michael B. Jordan and more A-listers. Harrison Ford was also present on Sunday, where he was honored with the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award.
Hollywood’s biggest stars stepped out in full force for SAG-AFTRA’s 32nd Actor Awards. Celebrities delivered a masterclass in modern glamour and timeless tailoring as film and television’s finest gathered to celebrate standout performances at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 1. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Please enter […]
“I feel incredibly grateful for this kind of attention, but to be clear, I also am quite humbled,” the Indiana Jones star, 83, said in his acceptance speech. “I’m in a room with actors, many of whom are here because they’ve been nominated to receive a prize for their amazing work, while I’m here to receive a prize for being alive. That said, it’s a little weird to be getting a Lifetime Achievement Award at the half-point of my career. It’s a little early, isn’t it? I’m still a working actor.”
Keep scrolling to find out which stars skipped the 2026 Actor Awards:
Martin Short
Martin Short, who was recognized in the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series category for his Only Murders in the Building role but lost to The Studio‘s Seth Rogen, was absent while grieving his daughter Katherine’s death.
“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time,” a February statement from Martin’s family read. “Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”
Katherine, one of Martin’s three children with late wife Nancy Dolgan, died by suicide at age 42.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Meryl Streep
Us Weekly confirmed ahead of the 2026 Actor Awards that Meryl Streep would not be in attendance. Her latest Hulu series, Only Murders in the Building, was recognized with an Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series nomination. The Studio ultimately won the Actor Award.
Selena Gomez
Martin Short and Meryl Streep’s Only Murders in the Building costar Selena Gomez also missed out on Actor Awards night. Gomez seemingly had a more low-key night, according to an Instagram Story selfie of herself in a robe without makeup while lounging on a backyard wicker chair.
Ariana Grande
Despite being up for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, Ariana Grande was not present on Sunday.
The Wicked: For Good star, who lost to Weapons‘ Amy Madigan, was reportedly absent due to tour rehearsals. (Grande kicks off her Eternal Sunshine Tour in June.)
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio received a nod for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role following his role in One Battle After Another. The film was also up for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
Despite the honors, DiCaprio missed the Actor Awards due to production of Martin Scorsese’s What Happens at Night in Europe, according to People.
DiCaprio’s categories ultimately went to Sinners star Michael B. Jordan and the Sinners acting ensemble, respectively.
Bowen Yang
Wicked: For Good actor Bowen Yang skipped the Sunday awards ceremony, with presenter Kathryn Hahn joking that he was “casually stuck in Antarctica” instead.
The competition was fierce at SAG-AFTRA’s 2026 Actor Awards. Kristen Bell hosted the Sunday, March 1, event, held at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, for the third year in a row. Bell, 45, has been the only official emcee for the annual ceremony, previously known as the SAG Awards, since 2018. […]
Sarah Snook
All Her Fault star Sarah Snook was not present despite being up for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series, which was ultimately given to Michelle Williams.
Owen Cooper
While Owen Cooper won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for Adolescence, the British teen wasn’t present at the L.A. ceremony. Presenter Damson Idris accepted the Actor trophy on Cooper’s behalf.
Sean Penn
Sean Penn took home the Actor for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role despite missing the show. Allison Janney, meanwhile, accepted the award for the One Battle After Another star.
