The 32nd annual Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, embraced a new focus on music and a revamped presentation format, streaming live on Netflix. Executive producers Mark Bracco and Linda Gierahn, along with showrunner Jon Brockett, aimed to "up the ante" by incorporating live music for the first time, led by music director Rickey Minor. This change allowed for a more robust and real musical presence in the room, enhancing the overall experience.

Host Kristen Bell kicked off the ceremony with an original musical number titled "A Stage Name," poking fun at celebrity name changes and the awards' own rebranding. Later, Miles Caton from the film "Sinners" delivered a poignant acoustic performance of "This Little Light of Mine," a moment that deeply resonated with the producers. The show also featured an "Abbott Elementary" cold open, developed with creator Quinta Brunson, which playfully integrated the cast discussing Actor-nominated projects. The traditional "I'm an Actor" signature opening included an eclectic lineup of stars like Kristen Wiig, Delroy Lindo, Michael J. Fox, Teyana Taylor, and Kate Hudson, sharing stories ranging from humorous to emotional. Kristen Bell also orchestrated a "First Annual Kristen Bell Actor Awards Sports Championship," a backstage ping pong tournament featuring friends like Ted Danson, Jackie Tohn, Ike Barinholtz, and Jacobi Jupe, complete with a self-made "ridiculous" trophy.

Production changes included rotating the stage 90 degrees, which created more space for the house band and improved audience seating. Mindy Kaling was instrumental in organizing a reunion of the female cast of "The Office," booking Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey, and Ellie Kemper for a presenting segment. With limited commercial breaks on Netflix, the producers filled time with four special packages exploring different facets of acting, such as medical dialogue, physical comedy, troublemaker characters, and the art of the romcom.

Major accolades were distributed across film and television. "Sinners," the vampire period drama directed by Ryan Coogler, was a big winner, taking home the top prize for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, while its star Michael B. Jordan won for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his dual portrayal of twin brothers Smoke and Stack. Coogler made history as the first director to helm two best ensemble winners at the Actor Awards, having previously won for "Black Panther." Jordan's win was considered a surprise, triumphing over nominees like Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio, and he emotionally reflected on his journey to earning a SAG card and thanked his mother for her support. Jessie Buckley won Best Lead Actress for "Hamnet," Sean Penn for Best Supporting Actor in "One Battle After Another," and Amy Madigan for Best Supporting Actress in "Weapons."

In television categories, Apple TV's Hollywood satire "The Studio" dominated comedy, winning Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, with Seth Rogen also securing Male Actor in a Comedy Series. HBO Max's rookie medical drama "The Pitt" won Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, and its leading man Noah Wyle took home Male Actor in a Drama Series. Keri Russell won Female Actor in a Drama Series for "The Diplomat." Michelle Williams was recognized as Best Actress in a Limited Series for "Dying for Sex," and Owen Cooper for Best Actor in a Limited Series for "Adolescence." Stunt ensemble awards went to "Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning" for motion pictures and "The Last of Us" for television.

A significant highlight of the evening was the posthumous honor for Catherine O’Hara, who died in January at 71. She won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series and was part of "The Studio's" winning ensemble. Seth Rogen accepted her individual award, praising her generosity, kindness, and talent, noting her habit of submitting rewritten scenes that always improved the show. O'Hara's win marked a historic moment, making her the first actress to receive a posthumous individual honor at the event and the third actor overall, following Heath Ledger and Chadwick Boseman. Her esteemed career included iconic roles in "SCTV," "Beetlejuice," "Home Alone," Christopher Guest mockumentaries, and "Schitt's Creek," with her final role as Patty Leigh in "The Studio" earning her this recognition. The series' second season faces the challenge of addressing her absence.

Harrison Ford was honored with the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award, celebrating his illustrious six-decade career. Presented by his friend and "1923" co-star Woody Harrelson, Ford delivered an emotional speech, expressing gratitude and humility. He recounted his struggles for 15 years, alternating between acting and carpentry, before his breakthrough in "Star Wars." He credited George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, casting director Fred Roos, and his manager Patricia McQueeney for their unwavering support. Ford spoke about finding his calling and identity through acting, emphasizing the joy of collaboration and the privilege of working in a field that creates empathy and connection. Despite numerous accolades, including an honorary Palme d’Or and an Emmy nomination for "Shrinking," Ford remains a working actor, famously stating he has no plans to retire. He underscored the responsibility of successful actors to support and uplift the next generation.

The ceremony also saw several surprises and snubs. Michael B. Jordan's lead actor win over Timothée Chalamet was unexpected, as was Sean Penn winning a supporting actor award despite skipping the ceremony. Michelle Williams' victory for "Dying for Sex" was a pleasant surprise amidst "Adolescence's" strong performance. Woody Harrelson's unconventional yet warm speech for Harrison Ford was a crowd-pleaser. Uncensored swearing onstage by host Kristen Bell and several winners added an unexpected element to the traditionally formal event. The lighting was noted as being subpar, making attendees appear "orange and sweaty." SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin's praise for Netflix's support was seen as timely given ongoing contract negotiations. Rhea Seehorn's performance in "Pluribus" was considered a snub, and "The Last of Us" winning best stunt ensemble over more action-heavy shows was a surprise. The awards are considered important precursors to the Oscars, with "Sinners" leading Oscar nominations. The ceremony also opened with a moment of reflection on global conflicts, with SAG-AFTRA executive director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland wishing for peace.