Kristen Bell to Host 2026 Actor Awards

Kristen Bell is set to host the 32nd Annual Actor Awards, previously known as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, on March 1, 2026. The ceremony will be streamed live on Netflix from the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles. This marks Bell's third time hosting the event, having previously emceed in 2018 and 2025.

Kristen Bell Returns to Host SAG Actor AwardsKristen Bell returning as host to SAG’s Actor AwardsKristen Bell returns to host SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards for third timeKristen Bell to Return as Host of SAG Actor AwardsKristen Bell returning to host SAG’s Actor Awards for third timeKristen Bell to Host SAG-AFTRA’s Actor Awards for a Third TimeKristen Bell to Host 2026 Actor Awards

The Actor Awards were rebranded from the SAG Awards in November 2025 to better align the show's name with the award statue, which has been referred to as the "Actor" since the ceremony's inception in 1995. This change aims to create consistency with other major awards shows, such as the Oscars and Emmys.

Kristen Bell to Host SAG-AFTRA’s Actor Awards for a Third TimeKristen Bell to Return as Host of SAG Actor AwardsKristen Bell returns to host SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards for third timeKristen Bell Returns to Host SAG Actor AwardsKristen Bell returning as host to SAG’s Actor AwardsKristen Bell returning to host SAG’s Actor Awards for third timeKristen Bell to Host 2026 Actor Awards

Kristen Bell, known for her roles in "Nobody Wants This," "The Good Place," and "Veronica Mars," expressed her enthusiasm for returning as host, stating, “I’ve enjoyed hosting the show every time, so it was an easy decision to come back for a third.” Jon Brockett, the showrunner and executive producer for the Actor Awards, praised Bell's ability to engage the audience, saying, “Having Kristen return to host feels like welcoming back a member of the family. One you actually want to hang out with.”

Kristen Bell to Host SAG-AFTRA’s Actor Awards for a Third TimeKristen Bell To Host SAG-AFTRA’s Actor Awards For Third TimeKristen Bell to Host 2026 Actor AwardsKristen Bell to Return as Host of SAG Actor AwardsKristen Bell Returns to Host SAG Actor AwardsKristen Bell returning as host to SAG’s Actor AwardsKristen Bell returns to host SAG-AFTRA Actor Awards for third time

This year, the film "One Battle After Another" leads the nominations with seven nods, including for best ensemble. Other notable contenders include "Sinners," "Hamnet," "Marty Supreme," and "Frankenstein." In the television categories, "The Studio" has the most nominations with five, followed by "Adolescence" and "The White Lotus," each with four.

Kristen Bell returning to host SAG’s Actor Awards for third time

The SAG-AFTRA union confirmed Bell's hosting role, emphasizing her familiarity with the show and its community. Bell's excitement about incorporating her singing talents into the ceremony was highlighted, as she noted, “What I’m most excited for is the fact that I’ll be doing what every actor does best…sing.”

Kristen Bell Returns to Host SAG Actor Awards

While the rebranding of the SAG Awards to the Actor Awards has been generally well-received, some critics have pointed out that the change may not resonate with long-time fans of the original name. Additionally, there were notable snubs in the nominations, including performances from Cynthia Erivo in "Wicked: For Good" and Dwayne Johnson in "The Smashing Machine," which have sparked discussions about the nomination process.

Kristen Bell returning to host SAG’s Actor Awards for third time

The 2026 Actor Awards will take place on March 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, promising a night of celebration for the best performances of 2025. The event will continue to be produced by Silent House Productions, with Jon Brockett serving as showrunner and executive producer alongside his team.

Kristen Bell to Return as Host of SAG Actor Awards

• “I’ve enjoyed hosting the show every time, so it was an easy decision to come back for a third,” — Kristen Bell, Actress and Host

Kristen Bell to Host SAG-AFTRA’s Actor Awards for a Third Time

• “Having Kristen return to host feels like welcoming back a member of the family. One you actually want to hang out with.” — Jon Brockett, Showrunner and Executive Producer

Kristen Bell to Host SAG-AFTRA’s Actor Awards for a Third Time