Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone Lead Nominations for Critics Choice Awards

The 2026 Critics Choice Awards are set to take place on January 4, 2026, marking the beginning of this year’s awards season. Comedian Chelsea Handler returns as the host for the fourth consecutive year. In a statement released in November 2025, Handler expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Kicking off the year with the Critics Choice Awards feels right — nothing says ‘new beginnings’ like a room full of critics ready to tell you how you did last year.”

According to Joey Berlin, CEO of the Critics Choice Association, Handler is “the best awards show host in the world” and the ideal person to celebrate Hollywood’s achievements in film and television. This year, the Critics Choice Association has introduced several new categories, including Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, and Best Casting and Ensemble.

As nominations were unveiled in December 2025, Ryan Coogler’s film, Sinners, led the field with a remarkable total of 17 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Following closely was Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, One Battle After Another, which garnered 14 nominations. On the television front, Netflix’s series Adolescence and Nobody Wants This led with six and five nominations, respectively.

Notable Nominations and Categories

The competition is fierce in various categories. For Best Picture, nominees include:

– One Battle After Another
– Sinners
– Sentimental Value

In the Best Director category, the nominees are:

– Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
– Ryan Coogler – Sinners
– Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value

The Best Supporting Actor nominees feature:

– Sean Penn – One Battle After Another
– Elle Fanning – Sentimental Value
– Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners

Additionally, the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series includes:

– Wood Harris – Forever
– Nicole Beharie – The Morning Show
– Greta Lee – The Morning Show

The Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for TV category features:

– Brian Tyree Henry – Dope Thief
– Michael Shannon – Death by Lightning
– Renée Zellweger – Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

As the awards night approaches, audiences are eagerly anticipating which films and performances will take home the coveted honors.

How to Watch the 2026 Critics Choice Awards

The ceremony will be broadcast live on the E! Network, providing viewers with an opportunity to engage with the festivities from home. Fans can check their cable providers for availability or explore streaming options that include DirecTV’s signature packages, which offer a five-day free trial.

As the awards season unfolds, the Critics Choice Awards promise to deliver an exciting showcase of talent and creativity, celebrating the best of film and television.