Ariana Grande has spent the past year redefining what it means to be a multi-hyphenate star. From dominating global music charts to earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of Glinda in Wicked: For Good, Grande has firmly positioned herself at the intersection of pop superstardom and serious acting recognition. With awards-season momentum building and her name appearing on major nomination lists, industry watchers have been closely tracking her every move.

As the 2026 Actor Awards approach, anticipation has been particularly high around Grande’s next public appearance. The ceremony, formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, is one of Hollywood’s most prestigious nights honoring acting excellence. 

Given her nomination and growing acclaim in film, many expected the singer-turned-actress to be front and center on the red carpet. However, her plans for the evening have taken a different direction, one that reflects where her focus currently lies.

Despite being nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for Wicked: For Good, Ariana Grande will not attend the 2026 Actor Awards. Instead of stepping onto the red carpet, Grande is dedicating her time to rehearsals for her Eternal Sunshine World Tour, as E! News has confirmed. 

The tour launches June 6 at the Oakland Arena, followed by multiple arena dates in Los Angeles, Austin, and a five-night run in London in August. With such a massive production underway, rehearsals have become her top priority. On the other hand, the Actors Awards will stream live on Netflix from the Shrine Auditorium on March 1, with Kristen Bell hosting the evening.

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Will missing the ceremony take away from the importance of her nomination?

Even without her physical presence, Ariana Grande’s nomination remains a defining moment in her acting journey. Her performance as Glinda in Wicked: For Good earned widespread praise, positioning her alongside fellow nominees Odessa A’Zion (Marty Supreme), Amy Madigan (Weapons), Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), and Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another).

The recognition follows back-to-back Golden Globe nominations for her role in Wicked and a Grammy win for 'Defying Gravity' with Cynthia Erivo. While Grande has previously limited awards-season appearances due to music commitments, the consistent nominations reinforce her growing credibility within the film industry.

Grande’s decision to skip the 2026 Actor Awards reflects a clear choice about where her energy is best spent at this moment. As she prepares for a global tour expected to draw massive crowds, she is prioritizing performance over pageantry. Yet her nomination alone signals that her impact in Hollywood continues to expand.

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Do you think Ariana Grande should have attended the Actor Awards? Let us know in the comments!