From Timothée Chalamet’s emotional win to One Battle After Another claiming Best Picture, Hollywood officially launched awards season in unforgettable style.
Hollywood Raises a Glass at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards
The 2026 awards season began in spectacular fashion on January 4, as the Critics Choice Awards took over the iconic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Hosted with signature wit and confidence by Chelsea Handler, the evening celebrated the year’s most powerful achievements in film and television.
Broadcast across E! and USA Network, the ceremony brought together Hollywood’s brightest stars, visionary filmmakers, and rising talents—setting the tone for a thrilling awards season ahead.
One Battle After Another Dominates the Night
The most coveted honor of the evening, Best Picture, went to One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Accepting the award alongside cast members Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, and Chase Infiniti, Anderson called the win “fantastic news,” adding that it was the best filmmaking experience of his career.
The film also secured Best Director, further cementing its status as the defining cinematic achievement of the year.
Timothée Chalamet Claims Best Actor in a Career-Defining Moment
One of the most talked-about moments of the night belonged to Timothée Chalamet, who won Best Actor for his riveting performance in Marty Supreme.
Visibly moved, Chalamet ended his acceptance speech with a heartfelt tribute to his partner Kylie Jenner, thanking her for their foundation and support. The intimate exchange—completed by Jenner mouthing “I love you” from the audience—became one of the evening’s most shared moments.
Standout Performances Across Film Categories
- Best Actress: Jessie Buckley for Hamnet
- Best Supporting Actor: Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein
- Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan for Weapons
- Best Young Actor/Actress: Miles Caton for Sinners
Each win highlighted performances driven by emotional depth, vulnerability, and bold storytelling.
Television’s Finest Take Center Stage
Television shone just as brightly, with The Pitt emerging as a major winner.
Top TV Honors
- Best Drama Series: The Pitt
- Best Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle – The Pitt
- Best Actress in a Drama Series: Rhea Seehorn – Pluribus
- Best Comedy Series: The Studio
- Best Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart – Hacks
Limited series also made a powerful impact, with Adolescence winning Best Limited Series, and Sarah Snook earning Best Actress for All Her Fault.
Celebrating Craft, Creativity & Innovation
The night honored excellence behind the scenes as well:
- Best Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters
- Best Costume Design: Frankenstein
- Best Hair & Makeup: Frankenstein
- Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Best Song: “Golden” – KPop Demon Hunters
These awards reinforced the importance of artistry, technical brilliance, and creative collaboration in shaping unforgettable stories.
A Glamorous Start to Awards Season
From emotional speeches to fashion-forward red carpet moments, the Critics Choice Awards 2026 delivered a celebration worthy of Hollywood’s finest. It was a night that honored not only performances and productions, but also passion, perseverance, and creative excellence.
As the industry now turns its eyes toward the rest of awards season, one thing is clear:
2026 is already shaping up to be a remarkable year for film and television.
