2026 Critics’ Choice Awards Recap
The Critics’ Choice Awards launched the 2026 awards season on January 4, hosted by Chelsea Handler.
The film sinner notably received 14 nominations, ultimately winning four, which included Best Original Screenplay for director Ryan Coogler and Best Young Actor for newcomer Miles Caton, who was making his debut in this role.
On the other hand, Battles continue one after another snagged the coveted Best Picture award, a significant accolade for the evening. Paul Thomas Anderson took home Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for his political thriller. Timothée Chalamet also shone brightly, winning Best Actor for his performance in the film directed by Josh Safdie. Meanwhile, frankenstein performed well too, earning awards for Best Production Design and Best Supporting Actor for Jacob Elordi.
The ceremony didn’t just spotlight films; it also honored standout performances in television. the pit and studio garnered top awards. the pit won Best Drama, with Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa being acknowledged for their contributions. Handler made sure to highlight the show’s cast that night.
At one point, she remarked, “It’s nice to meet the doctors and nurses from the pit here tonight. Everyone loves your show. And congrats to Noah Wyle for parting ways with George Clooney. That had to be holding you back.”
A detailed list of the Critics’ Choice Award winners follows.
Movie Categories
Best Picture
Battles continue one after another
Best Actor
Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme
Best Actress
Jesse Buckley – hamnet
Best Supporting Actor
Jacob Elordi – frankenstein
Best Supporting Actress
Amy Madigan – weapons
Best Young Actor/Actress
Miles Caton – sinner
Best Director
Paul Thomas Anderson – Battles continue one after another
Best Original Screenplay
Ryan Coogler – sinner
Best Screenplay
Paul Thomas Anderson – Battles continue one after another
Best Casting & Ensemble
Francine Meisler – sinner
Best Cinematography
Adolfo Veloso – train dream
Best Production Design
Tamara Deverell, Shane Viau – frankenstein
Best Editing
Steven Milione – F1
Best Costume Design
Kate Hawley – frankenstein
Best Hair & Makeup
Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, Cliona Fury – frankenstein
Best Visual Effects
Joe Letteri, Richard Banneham, Eric Saindon, Daniel Barrett – Avatar: Fire and Ash
Best Stunt Design
Wade Eastwood – Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning
Best Animated Feature
KPop Demon Hunter
Best Comedy
naked gun
Best Foreign Language Film
secret agent
Best Song
“Golden” – Ije, Mark Sonnenblick, Ido, 24, Teddy – KPop Demon Hunter
Best Score
Ludwig Göransson – sinner
Best Sound
Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, Juan Peralta, Gareth John – F1
Television Categories
Best Drama Series
the pit
Best Actor in a Drama Series
Noah Wyle – the pit
Best Actress in a Drama Series
Rhea Seehorn – pluribus
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Trammell Tillman – retirement allowance
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Katherine LaNasa – the pit
Best Comedy Series
studio
Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Seth Rogen – studio
Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Gene Smart – hack
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ike Barinholtz – studio
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Janelle James – abbott elementary school
Best Limited Series
puberty
Best TV Movie
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television
Stephen Graham – puberty
Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television
Sarah Snook – It’s all her fault
Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television
Owen Cooper – puberty
Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television
Erin Doherty – puberty
Best Foreign Language Series
squid game
Best Anime Series
south park
Best Talk Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Best Variety Series
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Comedy Special
SNL50: Anniversary Special
