The 31st Critics Choice Awards kicked off Hollywood’s 2026 awards season with a splashy mix of prestige, celebrity moments, and unexpected victories. Held at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar on January 4, the ceremony was broadcast live on E! and USA Network with Chelsea Handler returning as host. Handler set the tone with a blend of heartfelt tributes, including to the late filmmaker Rob Reiner, and sharp‑edged monologue jokes aimed at Hollywood power players.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another emerged as the evening’s big film winner, taking home Best Picture and Best Director. The politically charged thriller looks poised to carry that momentum forward into the Golden Globes and Oscars races. Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor for his work in Marty Supreme, delivering a rare affectionate shout‑out to partner Kylie Jenner during his speech that became one of the night’s most talked‑about moments.
While Sinners led the nominations with seventeen nods, the film’s victories were more spread across technical and craft categories, including Best Score. Jacob Elordi scored his first major award, winning Best Supporting Actor for his chilling turn in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein. Amy Madigan caused a delightful upset by winning Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Weapons, delighting fans and critics alike.
On the television side, Netflix’s Adolescence reigned supreme in the limited series field, sweeping several acting categories and earning Best Limited Series. HBO’s The Pitt was named Best Drama Series, with Noah Wyle and Rhea Seehorn taking top acting honors. Apple TV+’s The Studio claimed Best Comedy Series, with Seth Rogen and Ike Barinholtz among its acting winners.
The Critics Choice Awards also celebrated the glamour of the season with a dynamic red carpet, where stars such as Ariana Grande and Michael B. Jordan showcased a wide range of fashion statements, generating buzz across style coverage.
Altogether, the Critics Choice Awards offered early indications of potential frontrunners for the rest of awards season, spotlighting a blend of established talent and rising stars in both film and television.