Red Carpet Glamour at the 2026 Actor Awards
The 2026 Actor Awards in Los Angeles turned into a dazzling spectacle as British and Irish stars graced the red carpet. Among them was Jessie Buckley, who captivated attention in a black and white Balenciaga gown. Fresh off her Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards wins, the 36-year-old Hamnet actress is competing for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role.
Joining Jessie on the red carpet were fellow nominees Aimee Lou Wood, Erin Doherty, and Emily Watson. Aimee, known for her role in White Lotus, dazzled in a baby blue chiffon off-the-shoulder dress crafted by Versace. She was also seen reuniting with Leslie Bibb, adding to the star-studded atmosphere of the event.
Erin Doherty made an elegant entrance in a custom Louis Vuitton pale pink satin dress, while Emily Watson chose a striking blue gown that cascaded over her shoulders in a cape-like style. Mia Goth, who recently made headlines following her estranged husband Shia LaBeouf’s second battery arrest, showcased her glamour in an embellished dress with a ruffled train. Despite the personal challenges, she remained composed and focused on the event.
Wunmi Mosaku, who is up for Best Supporting Actress, stole the spotlight in a custom Louis Vuitton red gown, complemented by Messika jewelry. Her presence added a touch of sophistication to the evening.
Paul Mescal, known for his role in Hamnet, made a stylish appearance in an oversized double-breasted blazer and tie shirt. The 30-year-old actor is up for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role. His mother, Katy Cavanagh, also attended the event in a glamorous black sequinned gown, highlighting the family’s involvement in the entertainment industry.
Jacobi Jupe, son of Katy Cavanagh, made a notable appearance in a gold sequinned blazer. He plays the title role in Hamnet, a tearjerker that explores the tragic story of Shakespeare’s son. Noah, his older brother, also appears in the film, showcasing the family’s deep connection to the arts.
Awards Categories and Nominations
The ceremony will feature honours across 28 categories spanning film, television, and limited series. With six nominees in each race, except for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, which features eight contenders, the competition is fierce.
On the film side, One Battle After Another leads with seven nominations, followed closely by Sinners with five. The race for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Ethan Hawke, and Jesse Plemons.
In the female category, Jessie Buckley competes against Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, and Emma Stone. Supporting categories feature Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, and Miles Caton. The Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role includes Odessa A’Zion, Ariana Grande, Amy Madigan, Wunmi Mosaku, and Teyana Taylor.
The Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture category showcases Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, and Sinners. Television also has its own battleground, with The Studio dominating comedy nominations.
Controversies and Surprises
Despite the glitz and glamour, the awards season wasn’t without controversy. Cynthia Erivo was notably absent from the nominations for Wicked: For Good, sparking discussions among fans. Gwyneth Paltrow and Dwayne Johnson were also missing, raising questions about international representation among acting nominees.
However, there were pleasant surprises, including supporting nominations for Odessa A’Zion and Wunmi Mosaku. Hollywood legend Harrison Ford will receive the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award, recognizing his decades-long career in film.
Adding to the evening’s gravitas, Bridgerton breakout Yerin Ha will serve as this year’s Ambassador for The Actor Awards, emphasizing the importance of celebrating actors within their community.
