The 2026 Critics Choice Awards celebrated excellence in film and television on January 4, 2026, marking the start of this year’s awards season. Veteran host Chelsea Handler returned for her fourth consecutive year, expressing excitement in a statement released in November 2025. “Kicking off the year with the Critics Choice Awards feels right — nothing says ‘new beginnings’ like a room full of critics ready to tell you how you did last year,” she remarked.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) CEO Joey Berlin praised Handler as “the best awards show host in the world,” highlighting her ability to lead the festivities that honor the finest in Hollywood. This year, the CCA also introduced several new categories, including Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, and Best Casting and Ensemble, expanding the scope of recognition within the industry.
Leading the nominations was Ryan Coogler’s film *Sinners*, which garnered a remarkable 17 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Following closely behind was Paul Thomas Anderson’s *One Battle After Another*, which received 14 nominations.
On the television front, Netflix productions shone brightly, with *Adolescence* and *Nobody Wants This* claiming six and five nominations, respectively. The excitement around these nominations set the stage for a thrilling evening.
Key Winners of the 2026 Critics Choice Awards
The event showcased a diverse array of talent. The award for Best Picture went to *One Battle After Another*, while Paul Thomas Anderson took home the accolade for Best Director for the same film. The Best Actor award was claimed by Timothée Chalamet for his role in *Sinners*, while Emma Stone received the Best Actress honor for her performance in *Sentimental Value*.
In the supporting categories, Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor for his work in *One Battle After Another*, and Elle Fanning secured Best Supporting Actress for *Sentimental Value*.
Other notable winners included:
– **Best Animated Film**: *The Smashing Machine*
– **Best Foreign Language Film**: *No Other Choice* from South Korea
– **Best Actor in a Comedy Series**: David Alan Grier for *St. Denis Medical*
– **Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for TV**: Renée Zellweger for *Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy*
The event not only highlighted the achievements in film and television but also fostered a sense of community among industry professionals, as they gathered to celebrate their peers’ talents.
As the awards season progresses, all eyes will now turn to upcoming ceremonies, with hopes high for the continued recognition of diverse storytelling and innovative performances in 2026. The Critics Choice Awards have effectively set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year in entertainment.
