“With the heaviest hearts, we share that our dear Alex passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by love and dear friends,” said Hilarie Steele, reflecting the profound loss felt by those who knew Alex Duong. The 42-year-old comedian and actor succumbed to a year-long battle with cancer, specifically alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of the disease.

Duong passed away on Saturday morning at St John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California, after experiencing septic shock the night before. His health had deteriorated significantly in the days leading up to his death, despite undergoing several rounds of treatment.

Known for his roles in the police drama Blue Bloods as Sonny Le, Duong also contributed his writing talents to Netflix’s Historical Roast With Jeff Ross. His journey in the entertainment industry began after initially pursuing a degree in medicine, showcasing his diverse interests and talents.

Throughout his illness, Duong remained a source of inspiration for many, often expressing the camaraderie among comedians. In a previous statement, he remarked, “Comedians always have each other’s backs when times are s—. We know how hard it is to pine and struggle and scrape by in this lifestyle, just so we can do these jokes and keep improving.”

Duong’s family, including his wife Cristina and daughter Everest, received support from the community through a GoFundMe campaign set up to assist them during this challenging time. His passing has left a significant void in the hearts of his friends and fans.

A member of SAG-AFTRA since 2009, Duong was set to perform across 41 states before his diagnosis, highlighting the promising career that was tragically cut short. His contributions to the comedy scene and his resilience in the face of adversity will be remembered by many.

As the entertainment community mourns his loss, tributes continue to pour in, celebrating the life and legacy of Alex Duong. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any memorial services or tributes planned in his honor.

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SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have agreed to extend their contract negotiations into the week of March 9, 2026. This decision comes as both sides work to address critical issues ahead of the current contract’s expiration on June 30, 2026. The extension represents a final opportunity to reach an agreement before the upcoming April deadlines, particularly as the Writers Guild negotiations are set to begin on April 16, 2026.

Key points of contention in the negotiations include protections related to artificial intelligence (AI), streaming residuals, and health funds. AI protections have emerged as a significant concern, especially following the 118-day strike in 2023, which highlighted the urgency of these discussions. Actors are demanding stronger safeguards against digital manipulation and fair compensation for the reuse of their performances on streaming platforms.

During the ongoing negotiations, both SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP have reported positive movement on outstanding issues. However, if no agreement is reached by mid-March, negotiations will pause until June, potentially leaving actors and other industry professionals in a state of uncertainty for several months.

Previous agreements have mandated clear disclosure and separate payment for performances generated by AI, underscoring the industry’s need to adapt to evolving technologies. As the landscape of entertainment continues to change, the focus on AI and its implications for performers remains critical.

In addition to AI-related issues, the discussions also encompass the need for fair streaming residuals, which have become increasingly important as more content shifts to digital platforms. The outcome of these negotiations will have lasting effects on the livelihoods of actors and the overall health of the entertainment industry.

As the deadline approaches, observers are closely watching the negotiations, with many emphasizing the importance of reaching a resolution to avoid a repeat of the disruptions experienced during the 2023 strike. The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting for both sides to come to an agreement that addresses the concerns of performers while ensuring the sustainability of the industry.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific terms being discussed, but the ongoing dialogue reflects a commitment from both SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP to find common ground. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the future of contract negotiations and the direction of the entertainment industry as a whole.

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On Sunday, March 1, at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET, the 32nd Annual Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA will stream live on Netflix, celebrating this year’s standout performances across film and series. See the full list of winners here.

What’s new at the SAG Awards 2026?

Formerly known as the SAG Awards, this year’s awards mark the inaugural edition as the newly renamed Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA (the Screen Actors Guild — American Federation of Radio and Television Artists). Much of the ceremony this year will continue familiar traditions, including Kristen Bell returning as host, and the presentation of the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award to recipient Harrison Ford, but there’s also plenty that’s new this year.

Where can I watch the 2026 Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards?

The 32nd Annual Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA will stream live on Sunday, March 1 on Netflix at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET.

Who’s hosting the Actor Awards?

Kristen Bell will return this year as host of the Actor Awards. This will be the Nobody Wants This star’s third time leading the ceremony; she was the night’s first-ever host back in 2018 and took the stage again in 2025.

Can I watch the 2026 Actor Awards red carpet?

Yes! The Actor’s Red Carpet, the official Actor Awards preshow, will stream live globally on Netflix on Sunday, March 1 at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. Hosted by Paige DeSorbo and Scott Evans, the preshow will feature interviews with nominees and presenters, highlighting the evening’s standout fashion and offering viewers a front-row look at the red carpet on the biggest night for actors. During the preshow, winners for Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture and Television Series will also be announced.

Who are the 2026 Actor Awards nominees?

Nominees include Jason Bateman, Owen Cooper, Claire Danes, Erin Doherty, Jacob Elordi, Ariana Grande, Michael B. Jordan, Jenna Ortega, Seth Rogen, and a lineup of actors from some of the year’s buzziest series and movies.

• Contenders for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture are Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, and Sinners.
• The series competing for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama include The Diplomat, Landman, The Pitt, Severance, and The White Lotus.
• The comedy nominee lineup includes Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, Only Murders in the Building, and The Studio.

Head over to our Actor Awards hub for the full list of nominees.

Who will be presenting at the 2026 Actor Awards?

• Allison Janney
• Andy Garcia
• Angela Kinsey
• Benicio del Toro
• Chase Infiniti
• Claire Danes
• Connor Storrie
• Christoph Waltz
• Damian Lewis
• Damson Idris
• Delroy Lindo
• Ellie Kemper
• Gwyneth Paltrow
• Jacob Elordi
• Janelle James
• Jenna Fischer
• Jenna Ortega
• Jessie Buckley
• Lisa Kudrow
• Megan Stalter
• Mia Goth
• Michael B. Jordan
• Miles Caton
• Mindy Kaling
• Odessa A’zion
• Paul W. Downs
• Regina Hall
• Samuel L. Jackson
• Sarah Paulson
• Sean Astin
• Sterling K. Brown
• Teyana Taylor
• Timothée Chalamet
• Tyler Okonma
• Viola Davis
• Woody Harrelson
• Wunmi Mosaku
• Yerin Ha

Who is receiving the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award?

Harrison Ford will be recognized with the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award, which honors an individual who has improved the image of the acting profession and carries with them a humanitarian spirit.

Who is the Actor Awards Ambassador?

This year, Yerin Ha, who stars as Sophie Baek in the latest season of Bridgerton, will serve as the 2026 Actor Awards Ambassador. Each year, a member of the acting community is selected as an ambassador to represent the utmost values of the acting profession, serving as a positive role model for the next generation of performers and actively using their platform to advocate for humanitarian and public service endeavors.

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