The 32nd Actor Awards nominations were announced this morning, sending ripples through Hollywood as the industry’s most respected guild, SAG‑AFTRA, revealed the top performers of 2025. The nominations, voted on by more than 160,000 members, will be streamed live on Netflix on March 1, marking a new era for the awards as they transition from the Screen Actors Guild Awards to the streamlined “Actor Awards.” The announcement, made by SAG‑AFTRA President John Smith, underscores the guild’s commitment to spotlighting peer‑recognized excellence while adapting to a changing media landscape.
Background and Context
For decades, the SAG Awards have been a barometer of industry acclaim, often predicting Oscar success and shaping casting decisions. In November 2025, the guild announced a rebranding to the Actor Awards, a move that reflects both a desire to modernize and a strategic partnership with Netflix to broaden reach. The decision to stream the ceremony on the streaming giant’s platform aligns with the broader trend of award shows moving away from traditional broadcast networks, a shift accelerated by the rise of on‑demand viewing and the decline of linear TV audiences.
President Trump’s administration has recently emphasized support for the creative industries, citing the economic impact of Hollywood on the national economy. In a statement, Trump noted that “the Actor Awards nominations highlight the talent that drives our cultural exports and strengthens the United States’ soft power.” While the award itself is a cultural event, its timing and platform choice reflect larger industry trends toward digital distribution and global accessibility.
Key Developments
Among the most talked‑about nominations are:
- Performance by a cast in a motion picture: “Frankenstein” (ensemble) and “Marty Supreme” (ensemble) both received nods, signaling a shift toward ensemble storytelling in mainstream cinema.
- Performance by a female actor in a leading role: Jessie Buckley for “Hamnet” and Emma Stone for “Bugonia” are front‑and‑center, with Stone’s nomination marking her first Actor Award nod in a leading role.
- Performance by a male actor in a leading role: Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme” and Leonardo DiCaprio for “One Battle After Another” are among the top contenders, reflecting the continued dominance of established stars.
- Performance by a cast in a comedy series: “Abbott Elementary” and “The Bear” lead the pack, underscoring the genre’s growing prestige.
- Performance by a female actor in a drama series: Britt Lower for “Severance” and Keri Russell for “The Diplomat” highlight the depth of female talent in serialized storytelling.
Notably, the nominations include a mix of veteran performers and emerging talent. Rising star Connor Storrie, known for his work on “Heated Rivalry,” received a nomination for a supporting role in a feature film, a first for a performer under 25. The inclusion of international actors such as Indian actress Aditi Rao Hydari, nominated for her role in “The Diplomat,” signals the guild’s expanding global perspective.
“The Actor Awards nominations are a testament to the collaborative spirit of our industry,” said President Smith. “They reflect the hard work of actors across genres and borders, and they set the stage for the next wave of storytelling excellence.”
Impact on the Industry and Aspiring Actors
For actors, a nomination is more than a badge of honor; it can open doors to higher‑profile projects, better contracts, and increased bargaining power.
