Netflix will stream the 2026 Actor Awards on March 1, and for the first time in the ceremony’s 31-year history, attendees must follow an official dress code.
At a Glance
- The rebranded SAG Awards now require 1920s-30s inspired attire
- Elle magazine partnered to create the “Reimagining Hollywood Glamour” theme
- Celebrities must wear “sensual gowns, dramatic silhouettes, and fluid, boundary-pushing designs”
- Why it matters: Viewers will see stars channel Old Hollywood instead of modern fashion risks
The newly renamed Actor Awards, previously known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, revealed the groundbreaking requirement on January 15. Elle magazine, serving as the ceremony’s fashion partner, established the theme “Reimagining Hollywood Glamour from the ’20s and ’30s.”
“The dress code aligns with the overall creative vision of this year’s show and invites attendees to reexamine classic ideas of glamour reimagined for a modern red carpet,” according to the announcement.
The New Rules
The publication detailed specific expectations for the March 1 ceremony. Attendees should embrace “sensual gowns, dramatic silhouettes, and fluid, boundary-pushing designs, all inspired by the timeless Art Deco spirit that defined early Hollywood.”
The Met Gala-style directive draws inspiration “from an era defined by cinematic elegance and bold expression.” This marks a dramatic shift from previous years when celebrities could wear anything from casual suits to avant-garde creations.
Beyond the Dress Code
Elle’s involvement extends beyond wardrobe requirements. The magazine is collaborating on Actors Rising, an event designed to spotlight emerging performers. The Official Post-Awards Gala will take place after the ceremony at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.
The celebration will unite “winners, nominees, presenters, and industry leaders to close out the night in celebration,” creating a more extensive awards experience than in previous years.
Why the Name Changed
The Screen Actors Guild Awards rebranded to Actor Awards to clarify its purpose. The show’s official website explains the change was made “to provide clearer recognition in terms of what the show is about for our domestic and global audiences – we honor actors in film and television. Laser-focusing the name on those two things became the clearest and most straightforward path for this new chapter of the show.”
Star-Studded Nominees
This year’s nominations feature major Hollywood talent competing for honors. Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande and Michael B. Jordan all received nominations for their performances.
Harrison Ford will receive the prestigious SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award during the ceremony, adding another highlight to the evening’s events.
Industry-Wide Trend
The dress code announcement follows other recent changes in awards show protocols. CBS’s Golden Globes on January 11 featured a completely different setup due to construction at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The red carpet moved outdoors, stretching nearly 500 feet along Wilshire Boulevard with a staircase replacing the traditional flat backdrop.
This Hollywood setup closely resembled the Met Gala aesthetic, sparking speculation about awards season’s potential “Met Gala-fication.” The Cannes Film Festival also implemented stricter dress codes last May, banning nudity and nude-adjacent looks while restricting voluminous gowns with trains on festival grounds.
What to Expect
Viewers tuning into Netflix for the March 1 ceremony will witness celebrities interpreting 1920s and 1930s glamour through contemporary fashion. The Art Deco-inspired requirement promises dramatic silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and vintage elegance reimagined for modern red carpet photography.
The streaming giant’s partnership with the ceremony ensures global accessibility, allowing audiences worldwide to observe how Hollywood’s biggest stars interpret the vintage glamour mandate. Unlike traditional broadcast awards shows, Netflix’s platform enables viewers to pause, rewind, and analyze every detailed costume choice.
Key Takeaways
The 2026 Actor Awards represents more than just another awards ceremony. The dress code requirement signals a return to old Hollywood elegance while the name change clarifies the show’s focus on acting excellence. Elle magazine’s partnership extends beyond fashion guidance to include emerging talent recognition through the Actors Rising event.
The ceremony’s evolution reflects broader changes in entertainment industry events, where traditional formats give way to more curated, themed experiences that engage audiences beyond simple award presentations.
