Hollywood’s awards season roared to life on January 4, 2026, as the 31st Critics Choice Awards lit up Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, celebrating the year’s most compelling achievements across film and television.
Hosted by the ever-witty Chelsea Handler, the night delivered glamour, emotion and a clear sense of which titles are shaping up as early Oscar favourites.
At the heart of the ceremony were two cinematic heavyweights — One Battle After Another and Sinners — both of which dominated the evening with multiple wins, while Timothée Chalamet emerged as one of the night’s most talked-about stars.
Film’s Biggest Winners
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another stood tall as the critics’ darling, clinching Best Picture and Best Director, a powerful double that underscored the film’s sweeping narrative and artistic precision. Anderson also added Best Adapted Screenplay to the film’s growing trophy haul, further cementing its status as a major awards contender.
The spotlight, however, shone brightest on Timothée Chalamet, who won Best Actor for his transformative performance in Marty Supreme. His emotional acceptance speech — highlighted by a warm tribute to his partner, Kylie Jenner — quickly became one of the ceremony’s defining moments.
In the acting categories, Jessie Buckley delivered a triumph of her own, taking home Best Actress for her haunting role in Hamnet. Jacob Elordi impressed critics with his supporting turn in Frankenstein, earning Best Supporting Actor, while Amy Madigan claimed Best Supporting Actress for her standout performance in Weapons.
‘Sinners’ Makes Its Mark
While One Battle After Another ruled the top prizes, Sinners proved equally formidable. Ryan Coogler’s gripping film won Best Original Screenplay, while composer Ludwig Göransson picked up Best Score, amplifying the film’s emotional weight. Rising star Miles Caton added to the film’s success with the Best Young Actor/Actress award, marking a breakout moment in his career.
Animation, International Film and Craft
The animated feature KPop Demon Hunters enjoyed a celebratory night, winning Best Animated Feature and Best Song for “Golden.” International cinema was honoured with Best Foreign Language Film going to The Secret Agent, while Frankenstein showcased Hollywood’s technical brilliance with wins across costume design, production design and makeup.
Television Takes Centre Stage
On the television front, The Pitt emerged victorious as Best Drama Series, praised for its gripping performances and layered storytelling. The Studio claimed Best Comedy Series, winning over critics with its sharp humour and cultural relevance, while Adolescence dominated the limited series category, securing Best Limited Series alongside multiple acting honours.
A Night That Set the Tone
Beyond the trophies, the ceremony buzzed with memorable moments, heartfelt speeches and clear signals about the awards race ahead. With One Battle After Another, Sinners, Marty Supreme and Adolescence leading the charge, the 2026 Critics Choice Awards didn’t just celebrate excellence — they firmly set the pace for a thrilling road to the Oscars.
