The 31st Critics Choice Awards took place on January 4, 2026, celebrating the best in film and television from the past year. Hosted by Chelsea Handler at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, the show honored standout performances, creative achievements, and technical excellence across both mediums. 

Let’s dive into the complete winners list, key nominees, and highlights from this year’s Critics Choice Awards.

Critics Choice Awards 2026 – Major Winners (Film)

Best Picture
✔ One Battle After Another — Winner
Other nominees: Bugonia, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Jay Kelly, Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value, Sinners, Train Dreams, Wicked: For Good 

Best Director
✔ Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another 

Best Actor
✔ Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme 

Best Actress
✔ Jessie Buckley – Hamnet 

Best Supporting Actor
✔ Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein 

Best Supporting Actress
✔ Amy Madigan – Weapons 

Best Young Actor/Actress
✔ Miles Caton – Sinners 

Other Film Hot Wins:

  • Best Original Screenplay – Sinners

  • Best Adapted Screenplay – One Battle After Another

  • Best Casting & Ensemble – Sinners

  • Best Animated Feature – KPop Demon Hunters

  • Best Sound – F1 

Television Winners — Critics Choice 2026

Best Drama Series
✔ The Pitt 

Best Comedy Series
✔ The Studio 

Best Limited Series
✔ Adolescence 

Standout TV Performances:

  • Best Actor in a Drama Series – Noah Wyle (The Pitt)

  • Best Actress in a Drama Series – Rhea Seehorn (Pluribus)

  • Best Supporting Actress in Comedy Series – Janelle James (Abbott Elementary)

  • Best Variety Series – Last Week Tonight with John Oliver 

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Critics Choice Awards 2026 Highlights

  • One Battle After Another took home Best Picture+Director, making it one of the most awarded films of the night. 

  • Ryan Coogler’s Sinners led with the most nominations and picked up multiple wins including Best Original Screenplay and Best Score. 

  • Hamnet and Frankenstein also made strong showings, winning key acting and technical awards. 

  • Television offerings shined with Adolescence, The Pitt, and The Studio dominating their respective categories. 

This year’s Critics Choice Awards set the tone for the 2026 awards season, highlighting films and series that are expected to continue gaining buzz as the Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes approach.