Entertainment
The Biggest Snubs and Surprises at the 2026 Actor Awards Nominations
The nominations for the 32nd Annual Actor Awards, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, have officially been announced. While some frontrunners strengthened their place in this year’s awards race, several high-profile names were surprisingly left out, making this year’s nominations one of the most debated in recent memory.
Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times
Announced on January 7 by Abbott Elementary star Jannelle James and Heated Rivalry actor Connie Storrie, the nominations spotlighted major contenders such as “One Battle After Another”, “Sinners”, “The Pitt”, “The Studio”, and “Adolescence”.
Dwayne Johnson was surprisingly left out, even though his performance in “The Smashing Machine” had received plenty of praise. His co-star Emily Blunt was also overlooked, despite both actors receiving nominations at other major award shows. The absence was especially notable given the strong momentum going into awards season.
The Smashing Machine
Photo Credit: That Grape Juice
Another notable omission was Cynthia Erivo, whose performance in “Wicked: For Good” had positioned her as a strong contender. While Ariana Grande earned a supporting actress nominations for reprising her role as Glinda, Erivo’s absence marked a sharp contrast to the franchise’s awards success during the 2025 awards season.
Television fans were equally shocked by the lack of individual nominations for Kristen Bell in “Nobody Wants This” and Jeremy Allen White, who was overlooked both for “The Bear” and his portrayal of Bruce Springsteen in “Deliver Me from Nowhere.”
Veteran actors George Clooney and Adam Sandler received no recognition for “Jay Kelly”, despite widespread expectations.
International cinema didn’t fare much better, as Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” is widely regarded as an awards-season favorite, failed to secure acting nominations for its ensemble cast, including Elle Fanning and Renate Reinsve.
While some omissions disappointed fans, several unexpected nominations injected excitement into the list, Kate Hudson emerged as one of the surprises, earning a lead actress nomination for “Song Sung Blue,” breaking into one of the most competitive categories of the year.
Sinners
Instagram – Culture Crave
Miles Caton had two nominations for “Sinners,” coming right after his Critics Choice Award win. At just 20 years old, Caton’s riding success signals a promising future in the industry.
Another pleasant shock was Odessa A’Zion, who earned recognition for “Marty Supreme,” further solidifying the film’s strong showing alongside lead actor Timothée Chalamet. Jesse Plemons also defied expectations with a lead actor nominationsfor his role in “Bugonia,” emerging as a potential dark-horse contender.
On the television side, “Stranger Things” received rare recognition in the stunt ensemble category for its final season, while Taylor Sheridan’s Landman surprised with nominations for both drama ensemble and stunt performance after being largely ignored elsewhere.
Perhaps the impressive breakthrough came from Chase Infiniti, whose performance in “One Battle After Another” earned widespread recognition. The film earned nominations in almost every acting category, marking Infiniti as one of the season’s most promising new talents.
Awards Season Heats Up
With the Actor Awards ceremony set to stream live on Netflix on March 1, these nominations have set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and closely watched awards season.
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Bryson Tiller and Central Cee will take the stage at BREDx Abu Dhabi 2026 this November. The two-day event on Yas Island will also feature fashion, art, basketball and other elements of street culture.
The festival will take place on November 13 and 14 at Etihad Live, formerly known as Etihad Park. Presented by BRED Abu Dhabi, BREDx introduces a new format for the cultural event, bringing together international artists, regional performers, creative brands and food experiences.
Photo: Getty images
The headline concert is scheduled for November 14, with Tiller and Central Cee leading the musical lineup alongside Egyptian pop artist Nasser. The opening day, November 13, will feature Syrian rapper Bu Kolthoum, Jordanian-Palestinian artist Zaid Khaled and international DJs, alongside a photography exhibition, book launch and opening party.
Tiller will bring his music to Abu Dhabi following the release of new tracks, including ‘IT’S OK’ and ‘Drop The Lo’ in 2026. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Tiller made a name for himself with his 2015 debut album, T R A P S O U L, combining R&B melodies with trap-inspired production. Songs including “Don’t” and “Exchange” became defining releases from the project, followed by albums such as True to Self and Anniversary.
Central Cee, meanwhile, has become one of the most recognisable names in British rap. The London-born artist gained wider attention through tracks such as “Loading,” “Doja” and “LET GO,” before releasing his debut studio album, CAN’T RUSH GREATNESS, in 2025. His appearance at BREDx adds a major UK rap presence to the festival’s international lineup.
Beyond the performances, BREDx will bring together streetwear, independent labels, food concepts, art and sporting activities. The programme includes the Red Bull Half Court 3-on-3 basketball finals, brand collaborations, exclusive retail collections and food pop-ups featuring regional culinary businesses.
BRED Abu Dhabi was initially scheduled for April 2026 before organisers moved the event to November. The November dates introduce a two-day experience while the wider BRED Abu Dhabi festival is expected to return in April 2027.
Photo: Backgrid
Friday tickets are priced at AED 195, while Saturday general admission costs AED 295 and gives fans access to performances by Bryson Tiller and Central Cee. Those looking for a spot closer to the stage can opt for Golden Circle tickets at AED 595. Extra fees may apply at checkout.
With performances spanning R&B, British rap and regional music, BREDx Abu Dhabi is set to bring together artists and audiences around the sounds, fashion and creative communities shaping contemporary street culture.
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Katy Perry is set to return to the UAE this December, where she will headline the New Year’s Eve gala at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai on December 31.
The December 31 show follows Perry’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix performance last year. Her last performance in the UAE in December 2025, where she closed the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Etihad Park, marking the final date of her Lifetimes Tour.
Photo: Getty images
Her New Year’s Eve appearance will headline the annual celebration at the Palm Jumeirah resort, with dinner, stage performances and views of Dubai’s skyline. The evening will conclude with fireworks stretching from Atlantis, The Palm towards Atlantis The Royal.
Perry has a long history of performing in the UAE. She previously headlined the Dubai Airshow Gala Dinner at Atlantis in 2015 and spent New Year’s Eve on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi in 2017, where she welcomed 2018 with a performance of “Firework”. She also performed at the closing ceremony of the World Parachuting Championships in Dubai in 2012.
Her 2025 Abu Dhabi set included songs from 143, including “Teenage Dream”, “Roar”, “Dark Horse” and “Firework”. The Abu Dhabi show was the final stop on her Lifetimes Tour, which supported her 2024 album, 143.
The black-tie New Year’s Eve celebration begins at 6pm. Ticket prices start at Dh8,500 for guests aged 14 and above, while children aged four to 13 can attend from Dh6,500. Children under three enter free.
Photo: Getty images
Rouge Circle tickets start at Dh10,500 for adults and Dh7,500 for children. Golden Circle packages begin at Dh14,500 and include private seating near the stage, a caviar box with personalised truffle service and unlimited premium drinks.
Atlantis is also offering VIP Sky Suites with private butler service. The Aurora Suite starts at Dh250,000 for up to 10 guests, while the Celestial Suite is priced from Dh400,000 for the same number of guests.
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Fh Alex Warren will perform at Etihad live on Friday, December 4, as part of the Yasalam After-Race Concerts during the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He joins Lewis Capaldi, Zara Larsson, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers and The Script on the four-night concert programme. The concerts will run alongside the Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit from December 3 to 6.
Photo: Getty images
Why Alex Warren Matters
Warren arrives in Abu Dhabi following the success of his hit single “Ordinary”, which spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and 13 weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart in 2025. The song also helped push his debut album, You’ll Be Alright, Kid, into the US Top 5.
The album went on to earn platinum certification, while Warren accumulated billions of streams and completed a sold-out world tour. He also received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
His Friday set brings a contemporary pop presence to a programme that moves between pop, rock, electronic music and ballads.
The Yasalam Line-Up
Photo: Getty images
The concert series begins on Thursday, December 3, with Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson. Capaldi returns after performing at last year’s Grand Prix, while Larsson will perform on the opening night.
Warren is scheduled for Friday, December 4, alongside a second artist yet to be announced. Imagine Dragons will perform on Saturday, December 5, before The Chainsmokers and The Script close the series on Sunday, December 6.
More Music Around the Grand Prix
The Yasalam programme extends beyond the After-Race Concerts. Andrea Bocelli will perform at Etihad Arena on December 2 as part of his Romanza anniversary tour.
On December 4, Anyma will headline the official Yasalam After-Party at Yas Gateway Park, adding an electronic music event to the race-week schedule.
Tickets and Access
Photo: Eric Ray Davidson
Access to the Yasalam After-Race Concerts is included with Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets. Fans who want to be closer to the stage can purchase Golden Circle upgrades for the Friday concert.
Friday’s Golden Circle upgrades will go on sale at noon on September 30 through the official Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Ticketmaster websites.
Four-day Grand Prix ticket holders can also visit a selection of Abu Dhabi attractions during race week at no additional cost, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
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