By Vinod Ram 
The 2026 SAG Awards—now officially branded as the Actor Awards—have delivered one of the most talked-about nomination slates in recent years. From record-breaking nods to shocking omissions, this year’s list has ignited fierce debate across Hollywood and social media.
At the center of the conversation are two titles dominating headlines for very different reasons: Netflix’s cultural juggernaut Stranger Things and the awards-season powerhouse One Battle After Another. Here’s a full breakdown of the biggest SAG Awards snubs and surprises and why these projects matter heading deeper into awards season.
Why One Battle After Another Is the Biggest SAG Awards Story of 2026
The undisputed leader of the 2026 Actor Awards nominations is One Battle After Another, which made history by earning a record seven SAG nominations—the most ever for a single film.
According to Variety, no film in the awards body’s history had previously surpassed five nominations, making this achievement a clear signal of overwhelming industry support.
Key Nominations Fueling Its Dominance
- Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
- Lead and supporting acting nominations across multiple categories
- Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble
The film’s broad recognition suggests SAG-AFTRA voters responded not just to individual performances, but to the ensemble’s chemistry and ambitious storytelling—often a strong predictor of Oscar success.
As NBC New York notes, this momentum positions the film as a major contender across the remainder of awards season.
Stranger Things: A Surprise Player in the Stunt Categories
While Stranger Things didn’t secure traditional acting nominations this year, its presence at the 2026 SAG Awards is still significant.
The Netflix hit earned recognition in the Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble category—highlighting the physical intensity, choreography, and large-scale action sequences that defined its most recent season.
According to People, this nomination underscores how SAG voters continue to value behind-the-scenes craftsmanship, even when headline acting nods are absent.
For fans, the stunt ensemble recognition serves as validation that Stranger Things remains an industry benchmark for genre television—even as competition intensifies.
The Biggest SAG Awards Snubs of 2026
As always, the most intense reactions followed the names that didn’t appear on the nominations list.
High-Profile Acting Snubs
- Cynthia Erivo (Wicked: For Good) – Widely predicted but ultimately left out
- Dwayne Johnson (The Smashing Machine) – A notable omission despite strong buzz
- Emily Blunt and Jeremy Allen White – Both missing expected television nominations
Entertainment analysts at Entertainment Weekly suggest these snubs reflect SAG’s increasingly competitive voter landscape, particularly in crowded lead acting categories.
International performances also struggled to gain traction this year, reigniting discussions about representation and global storytelling within U.S.-based awards bodies.
The Biggest Surprises That Delighted Fans
Not all surprises were disappointing. Several unexpected nominations quickly became fan favorites.
- Kate Hudson earning her first major SAG nomination in years
- Chase Infiniti emerging as a breakout acting nominee
- Strong ensemble support for films like Sinners
As E! News reports, these surprise nominations demonstrate SAG-AFTRA’s willingness to reward risk-taking performances rather than relying solely on awards-season narratives.
What the 2026 SAG Awards Mean for the Rest of Awards Season
The SAG Awards are widely considered one of the strongest predictors of Oscar success—particularly in acting categories.
One Battle After Another now enters the next phase of awards season as a clear frontrunner, while Stranger Things continues to prove its influence through technical excellence rather than traditional accolades.
Meanwhile, the year’s most notable snubs may still find redemption with other guilds, the BAFTAs, or the Academy Awards.
The 2026 SAG Awards nominations highlight a shifting awards landscape—one where ensemble power, stunt work, and bold creative risks are increasingly valued alongside star performances.
Whether you’re tracking Oscar predictions or simply following Hollywood’s biggest debates, this year’s SAG Awards have already made their mark.
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