What actress won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role in a Motion Picture in February 2026?

The Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role in a Motion Picture, now known as the Actor Award, was presented in February 2026 to Jessie Buckley for her compelling work in the film Hamnet (Review). Buckley's victory marked a significant moment in the awards season, recognizing her powerful portrayal in the leading role. The Actor Awards, voted on by a membership of over 160,000 actors, are highly regarded as a strong indicator for other major film accolades, including the Academy Awards, given that actors comprise the largest branch of the Academy.

Buckley's win for "Hamnet" highlighted a performance that resonated deeply with her peers in the acting community. While the specific details of her role in "Hamnet" are part of what made her performance stand out, the recognition from the Screen Actors Guild underscores the impact she had on audiences and critics alike. The ceremony itself, streamed live on Netflix, celebrated a diverse range of talent across both film and television.

It is worth noting that Emma Stone was also among the distinguished nominees in this highly competitive category for her performance in the film Bugonia (Review). Stone's nomination further solidified her standing as a prominent actress in contemporary cinema, even though the award ultimately went to Buckley. The Actor Awards consistently shine a spotlight on exceptional acting, making the Female Actor in a Leading Role category one of the most anticipated announcements of the night.