A Memorable Evening at the 2026 Actor Awards
The 2026 Actor Awards were a night to remember, filled with emotional speeches, surprising wins, and heartfelt moments. One of the most heartwarming sights was Benicio Del Toro, who made a memorable appearance alongside his teenage daughter, Delilah, at the event. The 59-year-old actor, known for his iconic roles in films like Sinners, was seen proudly escorting his 14-year-old daughter down the red carpet of the Shrine Auditorium. Clad in a charming floral-embellished dress, Delilah looked radiant as she clung to her father’s arm, surrounded by flashing cameras.
At one point, Del Toro draped a protective arm over his daughter, guiding her through the crowd of Hollywood elite. Despite their fame, Del Toro and his ex-partner Kimberly Stewart have maintained a private co-parenting relationship. However, they clearly prioritize their bond, even taking a trip to Puerto Rico in 2023 to see Rod Stewart perform. Del Toro has often spoken about how fatherhood reshaped his approach to fame, stating in a 2016 interview that he now tries to stay under the radar, emphasizing that being a father changes everything.
A New Era for the Actor Awards
This year marked another milestone for the Actor Awards, as Kristen Bell returned as host for the third time. Her return was met with enthusiasm from fans and industry insiders alike. Jon Brockett, the show-runner and executive producer, described it as welcoming back a member of the family, someone you actually want to hang out with.
Film Awards: Surprises and Triumphs
The film category saw some major surprises, with Michael B. Jordan winning the top prize for his role in Sinners. He beat out heavyweights like Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, and Jesse Plemons. Jordan was visibly emotional during his acceptance speech, thanking his mother for driving him back and forth to New York when they couldn’t afford to go through the Holland Tunnel.
Sinners also took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, beating out strong contenders like Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and One Battle After Another. Delroy Lindo, who accepted the award on behalf of the cast, spoke about the recent incident at the BAFTAs where a guest used a racial slur while he and Jordan were presenting. He criticized BAFTA for not addressing the issue afterward.
Jessie Buckley won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for her performance in Hamnet. She was emotional as she accepted the award, beating out Kate Hudson, Emma Stone, and others. The film, directed by Chloé Zhao, is based on the novel of the same name and follows the story of Agnes and William Shakespeare after they lose their son to the plague.
Amy Madigan won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her work in Weapons. Sean Penn, who was not in attendance, won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for One Battle After Another.
Television Awards: Celebrating Excellence
On the television side, Catherine O’Hara received a posthumous honor for her work in The Studio, just one month after her passing. The Canadian-American actress, who died at 71, portrayed Patty Leigh, the former studio head and mentor of Seth Rogen’s character. The Studio swept the comedy categories, with Seth Rogen winning Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series and the entire cast winning Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
In the drama category, The Pitt emerged as a big winner, with Noah Wyle winning Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series and the entire cast winning Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. The series focuses on the daily lives of healthcare professionals in a Pittsburgh hospital.
Keri Russell won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for her role in The Diplomat, while Michelle Williams took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for her work in Dying For Sex. Owen Cooper, at just 16 years old, won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for his role in Adolescence.
