Sag awards stage transformed: a glimpse of old hollywood returns
The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles has undergone a stunning metamorphosis, trading its familiar Expo Hall layout for a design that promises a more intimate and visually arresting 32nd Annual Actor Awards. Forget the long, distant stage—this year's ceremony, airing live on Netflix Sunday, March 1st, 2026, is poised to deliver a uniquely captivating experience for both the audience and the performers.
A nod to the golden age and a modern twist
Executive Producer Jon Brockett and Production Designer Matt Steinbrenner, veterans of award show production, have masterfully blended the glamour of Old Hollywood with a contemporary theatrical sensibility. The inspiration? The SAG-AFTRA award statuette itself: a striking nude male figure cradling masks of comedy and tragedy. “We wanted to celebrate the idea of pulling back the curtain,” explains Steinbrenner, “with shapes reminiscent of the curvature of the SAG-AFTRA mask.” The result is a design that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
The team drew heavily from the architectural hallmarks of Hollywood’s Golden Age, specifically Art Deco and Streamline Moderne. Sweeping glass columns, their gentle curves echoing the concept of a drawn curtain, now flank the stage, contributing to an atmosphere that Steinbrenner describes as “elevated, playful, and whimsical.” This isn’t simply about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that truly honors the actors and their craft.
Spatial realignment for enhanced intimacy
Perhaps the most significant change is the repositioning of the stage. Previously located at the far end of the Expo Hall, it now sits along the long side of the room. This seemingly simple shift dramatically alters the dynamic, fostering a sense of closeness between the actors seated at their tables and those taking the stage. “The main purpose of the switch was to create a sense of intimacy,” Brockett reveals. “We wanted to enhance the evening and make it more special for everyone.” After years of conceptualizing and planning, the team finally realized a vision that transforms the venue’s scale, creating a space that is grand yet intimate simultaneously.
The reimagining extends beyond mere spatial adjustments. A dedicated area for the house band, evoking the atmosphere of Hollywood’s Jazz Age clubs, now occupies a prominent position on stage. Steinbrenner crafted a two-tiered platform with textured pony walls, adding further curvature and movement to the design, creating a lyrical feel.
Even the flooring contributes to the overall spectacle. The stage’s graphic Art Deco floor tiles are specifically designed to pop on screen during aerial camera shots, adding a layer of visual texture and reinforcing the design’s cohesive theme. “We were able to find a floor pattern that was referential to other lines and shapes in the set,” Steinbrenner says, “bringing more life to the setting.”
Artful details across the venue
The meticulous attention to detail doesn’t stop at the stage. A gilded bas relief now adorns the balcony, while custom-sculpted gold palm trees, appearing to grow through the balcony, dot the main floor. The abstracted palm motif is cleverly echoed in the illuminated glass columns, seamlessly blending architectural elements with organic forms. “Having that connective tissue from top to tail is so important,” emphasizes Brockett, pointing to the unified design aesthetic that extends from the red carpet to the gala.
The 32nd Annual Actor Awards promise to be more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a carefully orchestrated celebration of artistry, a revival of Hollywood's golden age, and a testament to the power of thoughtful design. The show’s commitment to honoring the craft of acting is visually realized in every detail, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.