NEED TO KNOW
- The 2026 Actor Awards, previously the Screen Actors Guild Awards, will get its first dress code this upcoming show
- Elle has partnered with the ceremony and established its first red carpet theme: “Reimagining Hollywood Glamour from the ’20s and ’30s”
- The publication teased that the dress standard “invites attendees to reexamine classic ideas of glamour reimagined for a modern red carpet”
Awards shows are in full swing, but one ceremony is bringing a twist to the season.
On March 1, Netflix will stream the 2026 Actors Awards (what was previously known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards), and for the first time in the ceremony’s 31-year history, everyone in attendance is expected to adhere to a new dress code.
Elle, the fashion publication partnered with the Actor Awards, announced on Jan. 15 that it has instituted an “official red carpet dress code” with its own theme: “Reimagining Hollywood Glamour from the ’20s and ’30s.”
According to the outlet, the very Met Gala-like rule will draw inspiration “from an era defined by cinematic elegance and bold expression.”
“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.”
If celebrities and their stylists need a little guidance, Elle notes that “sensual gowns, dramatic silhouettes, and fluid, boundary-pushing designs, all inspired by the timeless Art Deco spirit that defined early Hollywood,” will be ever present on the carpet.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
In addition to setting a new sartorial standard, Elle is collaborating on Actors Rising, “an event spotlighting the next generation of performers…” Taking place after the ceremony, hosted at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles, will be the Official Post-Awards Gala “bringing together winners, nominees, presenters, and industry leaders to close out the night in celebration.”
The SAG Awards were renamed 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.” the show’s official website reads.
Among the stars nominated for this year are Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, Teyana Taylor, Ariana Grande and Michael B. Jordan. Harrison Ford will be presented with the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award.
The news also comes after CBS hosted its annual Golden Globes on Jan. 11 with a completely different look prompted by the construction happening on the Beverly Hilton. Rather than unfolding inside the hotel’s corridors and covered walkways as it has in years past, the carpet was moved completely outdoors and took up nearly 500 feet along Wilshire Boulevard. And with the staircase replacing a traditional flat backdrop, the Hollywood setup was very reminiscent of the Met Gala (which this year is taking place on Monday, May 4).
While it’s uncertain if this is a sign of awards seasons’ Met Gala-fication, it does pose a question on whether or not awards season dress code will further come into play. Last May, the Cannes Film Festival banned nudity (and nude-adjacent red carpet looks) on the grounds in addition to voluminous gowns with trains.
Read the full article here
