Sarah Snook Says Acting Is ‘Just Pretend’ as She Reflects on Career After Critics Choice Win

Sarah Snook is keeping her career in perspective after a major awards win.

The 38-year-old actress spoke to reporters in the press room after winning the 2026 Critics Choice Award for Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television on Jan. 4 in Santa Monica, California. She was honored for her performance in the Peacock series All Her Fault.

During the post-win Q&A, Snook said she believes it’s important not to take acting too seriously.

“Acting is just a game of pretend, and getting paid to do this job is very nice,” she said. “I’m grateful I get to act for a living.”

She added that her focus remains on continuing to work and grow. “Hopefully I keep getting some of those opportunities,” she said, explaining that her time in the industry has taught her to “keep working hard” and seek out roles that challenge her.

Snook shared similar thoughts earlier in the evening while accepting her award onstage. She praised the experience of making All Her Fault and emphasized the joy of the process. “We had an awesome time with the crew, shooting really great stuff,” she said. “The main thing is having a great time while we’re shooting, because we’re just playing pretend.”

All Her Fault is an eight-episode mystery thriller in which Snook plays Marissa Irvine, a successful wealth manager whose life spirals when her 5-year-old son goes missing. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried secrets and suspicions emerge in her seemingly ordinary suburban community. The series is based on Andrea Mara’s bestselling novel and also stars Dakota Fanning, Jake Lacy, Michael Peña, and Abby Elliott.

Snook, best known for her role on HBO’s Succession, is also preparing for a major new milestone. She will make her Broadway debut in The Picture of Dorian Gray in March.

In the production, the Australian-born actress will play 26 characters, using a mix of live performance and onstage video. She previously starred in the play at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket, where it won two Olivier Awards, including a best actress honor for Snook. The show was developed by the Sydney Theatre Company and first premiered in Australia in 2020.