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Critics’ Choice Awards 2026
The 31st Annual Critics’ Choice Awards took place on January 4, 2026, in Santa Monica, bringing together the biggest names in film and television for a glamorous evening hosted by Chelsea Handler.
From heartfelt speeches to unexpected victories, this year’s ceremony highlighted outstanding performances across movies and shows.
Stars like Timothée Chalamet, Amy Madigan, and the cast of The Pitt walked away as major winners, setting the stage for the rest of the awards season.
Top Film Winners
The film categories featured tough competition, with One Battle After Another emerging as a standout.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s direction earned praise, while Sinners proved to be a powerhouse with multiple technical and creative wins.
Here are some of the key film winners:
| Category | Winner | Project | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Picture | One Battle After Another | Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic drama | |
| Best Actor | Timothée Chalamet | Marty Supreme | Emotional speech thanking loved ones |
| Best Actress | Jessie Buckley | Hamnet | Powerful performance in historical drama |
| Best Supporting Actress | Amy Madigan | Weapons | Surprise win for her memorable role as Aunt Gladys |
| Best Supporting Actor | Jacob Elordi | Frankenstein | Rising star continues strong awards run |
| Best Director | Paul Thomas Anderson | One Battle After Another | Also won Best Adapted Screenplay |
| Best Original Screenplay | Ryan Coogler | Sinners | Critically acclaimed thriller |
| Best Score | Ludwig Göransson | Sinners | Added to the film’s strong showing |
| Best Young Actor/Actress | Miles Caton | Sinners | Impressive debut performance |
| Best Casting and Ensemble | Francine Maisler | Sinners | Recognized the film’s standout group |
Sinners and Frankenstein each picked up four awards, making them two of the night’s biggest film winners.
Television Takes Center Stage
Television delivered some of the evening’s most exciting moments.
The Pitt dominated the drama categories, while The Studio and Adolescence also had strong nights.
Key TV winners include:
| Category | Winner | Project | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Drama Series | The Pitt | Swept major drama awards | |
| Best Actor in a Drama Series | Noah Wyle | The Pitt | Iconic return to form |
| Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series | Katherine LaNasa | The Pitt | Emotional acceptance |
| Best Comedy Series | The Studio | Seth Rogen’s hit show | |
| Best Actor in a Comedy Series | Seth Rogen | The Studio | Charming and funny win |
| Best Actress in a Comedy Series | Jean Smart | Hacks | Another trophy for the beloved star |
| Best Limited Series | Adolescence | Took home four awards total | |
| Best Actor in a Limited Series | Stephen Graham | Adolescence | Gripping performance |
| Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series | Erin Doherty | Adolescence | Stand out in the ensemble |
Adolescence led with four wins, proving that limited series continue to deliver some of the most compelling storytelling on TV.
Memorable Moments And Speeches
Timothée Chalamet brought the house down when accepting Best Actor for Marty Supreme.
In a sweet and personal moment, he publicly expressed his love for Kylie Jenner, reminding everyone why he is one of Hollywood’s most charming young stars.
Amy Madigan’s win for Best Supporting Actress in Weapons was one of the night’s biggest surprises.
The veteran actress seemed genuinely shocked, sharing that she “was not expecting all this” for her role as the unforgettable Aunt Gladys.
It was a lovely reminder that great character performances can steal the show.
Young star Miles Caton kicked off the evening with the first award, winning Best Young Actor/Actress for his role in Sinners.
His poised and grateful speech marked him as a talent to watch.
Interesting Trivia
Did you know Amy Madigan’s win made her one of the oldest recipients of the Best Supporting Actress award in recent Critics’ Choice history? At a time when many awards go to younger performers, her victory for Weapons highlighted the enduring power of seasoned actors delivering unforgettable roles.
Wrapping Up The 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards
The 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards celebrated the best in film and television with well-deserved wins for Timothée Chalamet, Amy Madigan, Miles Caton, The Pitt, Sinners, and many more.
It was a night full of emotion, laughter, and celebration of great storytelling.
Thanks for reading our recap!
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