The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) Awards were created to honor outstanding performances by actors—the very heart of storytelling. For decades, the Awards have provided recognition, solidarity, and visibility for union members whose craft inspires the world. But as the entertainment industry undergoes rapid transformation, the current rules and regulations for award eligibility have not kept pace.

At present, the SAG Awards often prioritize or restrict eligibility through outdated standards tied primarily to theatrical runs and limited distribution models. While once an appropriate measure in an era when film and television were narrowly defined, this framework now excludes or diminishes the remarkable achievements of actors whose work reaches millions through streaming platforms, Video-on-Demand (VOD), hybrid releases, and digital-first distribution models.

This outdated gatekeeping fails to reflect today’s industry realities and undermines the union’s mission of inclusivity and representation. The rules must evolve to ensure that all union members—regardless of whether their projects premiere in theaters, on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube, or independent VOD platforms—have a fair and equal chance at recognition.

Why Change Is Urgent
Streaming is now the dominant medium: Most audiences discover films and performances through streaming and VOD. For many actors, theatrical releases are no longer accessible due to shrinking theater slots and the consolidation of studio distribution. Yet, these projects often garner massive audiences, critical acclaim, and cultural impact.

Union members are being left behind: SAG-AFTRA members who work on independent or streaming-only films find themselves sidelined from award recognition simply because their projects do not meet antiquated theatrical-run requirements. This directly contradicts the purpose of a union award: to honor its members wherever their work reaches the public.
Diversity and inclusion are at stake: Many underrepresented voices—immigrant, refugee, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, disabled artists, and smaller-budget productions—find their strongest platform in streaming and digital-first releases. To deny these performances' eligibility is to deny recognition to the very communities the union strives to uplift.

Global accessibility:

Streaming transcends borders. Films and performances once confined to niche theatrical runs now resonate globally overnight. The SAG Awards should mirror this reality and embrace the broader, more democratic access to art that streaming provides.

Proposed Reforms Broaden Eligibility Criteria: Recognize performances released on streaming services, VOD, hybrid models, and digital-first platforms equally with theatrical releases. Remove rigid requirements that tether recognition only to theatrical distribution.

Union-Centered Qualifications:

Focus on whether a production is a union project employing SAG-AFTRA talent, rather than its release strategy. If union actors are delivering performances under union contracts, their work deserves consideration.

Inclusivity Mandates:

Ensure that reforms actively remove barriers that disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Expand recognition for independent films, international co-productions, and digital-first stories that amplify diverse voices. 

Transparency and Accessibility:

Simplify and publicize the submission process so independent creators and smaller distributors understand how to qualify, without requiring deep-pocketed marketing campaigns.

Annual Review of Rules:

The industry changes too quickly for rules to remain static. Build in an annual review process to adapt eligibility requirements to new technologies, platforms, and audience trends.

What’s at Stake

The SAG Awards have always been unique because they are by the actors, for the actors. But if the rules fail to evolve, they risk becoming disconnected from the majority of union members whose most meaningful work is happening outside the traditional theatrical system.

By reforming the rules, SAG-AFTRA has the opportunity to lead—not lag—in embracing the future of storytelling. It can affirm its commitment to equity, inclusivity, and recognition of all members, whether their performances light up the big screen, stream into living rooms, or inspire viewers across digital platforms worldwide.

This is more than an awards issue—it’s about dignity, recognition, and fairness for all union members.

Call to Action
We, the undersigned, urge the SAG-AFTRA Awards Committee and leadership to: Modernize the SAG Awards eligibility rules.
Create a fairer, more inclusive system that reflects today’s entertainment landscape.

Ensure every union member, regardless of release platform, has the chance to be honored for their craft.

Actors are the backbone of this industry. Their art deserves recognition in all its evolving forms. Let us stand together to ensure the SAG Awards remain relevant, equitable, and reflective of the union’s values.

Sign this petition and demand change.