Critics Choice Awards 2026: Full Winners List as One Battle After Another Takes Best Picture
The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards officially kicked off the 2026 awards season in grand style on January 4 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Hosted for the fourth consecutive year by comedian Chelsea Handler, the ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements in film and television from 2025 and offered an early glimpse into the industry favourites likely to dominate the months ahead.
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments came when Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another won the prestigious Best Picture award, firmly establishing itself as a frontrunner in the ongoing awards race. Anderson also took home honours for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, highlighting the film’s creative depth and critical acclaim.
The acclaimed drama faced stiff competition from strong contenders such as Sinners, Hamnet, and Frankenstein, but ultimately emerged with the night’s top prize. Sinners, which led the Critics Choice Awards 2026 nominations with 17 nods, also delivered an impressive showing. The film won four awards, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Score for Ludwig Göransson, a Best Young Actor/Actress honour for Miles Caton, and the newly introduced Best Casting and Ensemble award.
In the acting categories, Timothée Chalamet claimed Best Actor for his charismatic performance in Marty Supreme, a sports drama that impressed both critics and audiences. Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her emotionally powerful portrayal in Hamnet, earning praise for the role’s sensitivity and depth.
Supporting performances also stood out at the ceremony. Jacob Elordi received Best Supporting Actor for his striking transformation in Frankenstein, while Amy Madigan secured Best Supporting Actress for her memorable role in Weapons. These wins reflected a year marked by daring performances and genre-defying storytelling.
Television categories proved just as competitive at the Critics Choice Awards 2026. Netflix’s Adolescence emerged as a major winner, taking home Best Limited Series along with multiple acting awards that recognised its compelling narrative and ensemble strength. The Pitt claimed Best Drama Series, with Noah Wyle and Rhea Seehorn winning Best Actor and Best Actress in the drama categories, underlining the show’s critical impact.
Comedy also had its share of spotlight moments. The Studio was named Best Comedy Series, while Seth Rogen and Ike Barinholtz won supporting acting awards for their performances. In non-scripted categories, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver earned Best Variety Series, one of several new honours introduced this year alongside awards for Best Stunt Design and Best Sound.
Beyond the trophies, the night featured striking red carpet fashion, emotional acceptance speeches, and moments that captured Hollywood’s vibrant creative spirit. As the first major televised awards ceremony of 2026, the Critics Choice Awards not only honoured deserving winners but also set the tone for the rest of the awards season 2026 .
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments came when Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another won the prestigious Best Picture award, firmly establishing itself as a frontrunner in the ongoing awards race. Anderson also took home honours for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, highlighting the film’s creative depth and critical acclaim.
The acclaimed drama faced stiff competition from strong contenders such as Sinners, Hamnet, and Frankenstein, but ultimately emerged with the night’s top prize. Sinners, which led the Critics Choice Awards 2026 nominations with 17 nods, also delivered an impressive showing. The film won four awards, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Score for Ludwig Göransson, a Best Young Actor/Actress honour for Miles Caton, and the newly introduced Best Casting and Ensemble award.
In the acting categories, Timothée Chalamet claimed Best Actor for his charismatic performance in Marty Supreme, a sports drama that impressed both critics and audiences. Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her emotionally powerful portrayal in Hamnet, earning praise for the role’s sensitivity and depth.
Supporting performances also stood out at the ceremony. Jacob Elordi received Best Supporting Actor for his striking transformation in Frankenstein, while Amy Madigan secured Best Supporting Actress for her memorable role in Weapons. These wins reflected a year marked by daring performances and genre-defying storytelling.
Television categories proved just as competitive at the Critics Choice Awards 2026. Netflix’s Adolescence emerged as a major winner, taking home Best Limited Series along with multiple acting awards that recognised its compelling narrative and ensemble strength. The Pitt claimed Best Drama Series, with Noah Wyle and Rhea Seehorn winning Best Actor and Best Actress in the drama categories, underlining the show’s critical impact.
Comedy also had its share of spotlight moments. The Studio was named Best Comedy Series, while Seth Rogen and Ike Barinholtz won supporting acting awards for their performances. In non-scripted categories, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver earned Best Variety Series, one of several new honours introduced this year alongside awards for Best Stunt Design and Best Sound.
Beyond the trophies, the night featured striking red carpet fashion, emotional acceptance speeches, and moments that captured Hollywood’s vibrant creative spirit. As the first major televised awards ceremony of 2026, the Critics Choice Awards not only honoured deserving winners but also set the tone for the rest of the awards season 2026 .
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