Michael B. Jordan secured the best actor prize at the Actor Awards on Sunday night for his dual performance as Smoke and Stack in the vampire thriller Sinners, in a result that has significantly altered the landscape of the upcoming Academy Awards race. Jessie Buckley was similarly recognized, winning best actress for her role in Hamnet, further solidifying her position as a frontrunner for the Oscar.
The awards, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, were presented in Los Angeles and are viewed as a key indicator of Oscar success, as actors comprise the largest voting bloc within the Academy. Sinners also claimed the award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture, a win that analysts say bolsters the film’s best picture prospects. The ensemble cast includes Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku, with Lindo accepting the award on behalf of the group, stating the project was “anointed” and that they were all “anointed to be part of this incredible journey.”
Jordan’s win was considered a surprise, as Timothée Chalamet had been widely predicted to take the prize for his role in A Complete Unknown. Jordan previously won the NAACP Image Award for Entertainer and Actor of the Year this weekend. He acknowledged director Ryan Coogler and the support he received from fellow actors throughout his career during his acceptance speech. Leonardo DiCaprio, nominated for One Battle After Another and Chalamet were also considered strong contenders in the lead male actor category.
Jessie Buckley’s victory for Hamnet reinforces her status as the favorite to win the best actress Oscar. Sean Penn received the award for best supporting actor for his performance in One Battle After Another, although Amy Madigan was honored as best supporting actress.
On the television side, Owen Cooper won for his performance in the miniseries Adolescence, and Michelle Williams was recognized for Dying for Sex. Noah Wyle and Keri Russell took home awards for their roles in the dramatic series The Pitt and The Diplomat, respectively. The Studio dominated the comedy categories, with Seth Rogen and Catherine O’Hara both winning individual awards, and the show also receiving the award for outstanding performance by a cast in a comedy series. The Pitt also won for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series.
The awards ceremony also highlighted the influence of stunt work, with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and The Last of Us recognized for their exceptional stunt ensembles.
The red carpet showcased a return to classic Hollywood glamour, with a focus on tailoring, luxurious materials, and handcrafted details. Demi Moore wore a couture Schiaparelli gown, while Teyana Taylor appeared in a heavily embroidered Thom Browne robe. Emma Stone chose a lilac Louis Vuitton creation, and Jenna Ortega opted for a darkly romantic Christian Cowan design. Gwyneth Paltrow, Connor Storrie, Sarah Pidgeon, Mia Goth, Rose Byrne, and Chase Infiniti also made notable fashion statements.
