The 2026 Critics Choice Awards will take place on January 4, 2026, marking the start of another awards season in Hollywood. This year, comedian and actress Chelsea Handler returns as host for the fourth consecutive time, bringing her unique flair to the ceremony. In a statement from November 2025, Handler expressed excitement about kicking off the year with the awards, stating, “Nothing says ‘new beginnings’ like a room full of critics ready to tell you how you did last year.”
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) has made some updates for this year’s event, including the addition of new categories such as Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, and Best Casting and Ensemble. According to Joey Berlin, CEO of the CCA, Handler is “the best awards show host in the world” and perfectly suited to lead the celebration of achievements in film and television.
Film nominations are led by Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” which received a total of 17 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Following closely is Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” with 14 nominations. In the television category, Netflix’s “Adolescence” and “Nobody Wants This” lead with six and five nods, respectively.
Key Nominations for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards
The complete list of nominees highlights some of the most notable talent in the industry. In the Best Picture category, contenders include:
– “One Battle After Another” – Paul Thomas Anderson
– “Sinners” – Ryan Coogler
– “Sentimental Value” – Joachim Trier
In acting categories, the Best Actor nominations feature:
– Leonardo DiCaprio for “One Battle After Another”
– Wagner Moura for “The Secret Agent”
– Chase Infiniti for “One Battle After Another”
The Best Supporting Actor category includes:
– Sean Penn for “One Battle After Another”
– Elle Fanning for “Sentimental Value”
– Wunmi Mosaku for “Sinners”
The nominations extend across multiple categories, reflecting a diverse array of talent. In the Best Animated Film and Best Foreign Language Film categories, contenders include:
– “No Other Choice” (South Korea)
– “Paradise”
Additionally, the television categories showcase a vibrant mix of comedy and drama. Notable mentions include:
– Best Actor in a Comedy Series: David Alan Grier for “St. Denis Medical”
– Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for TV: Renée Zellweger for “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”
How to Watch the 2026 Critics Choice Awards
The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards will be broadcast live on the E! Network. Viewers can also access the event through streaming services that carry E! and USA Network. For those interested in watching without a subscription, DirecTV is offering a five-day free trial for its streaming service, which includes the necessary packages.
As the awards season begins, anticipation builds for the ceremony, where the industry’s finest will be recognized for their contributions to film and television. With its blend of established and emerging talent, the 2026 Critics Choice Awards promises to be a memorable celebration of creativity and excellence in the entertainment world.
For a full list of nominees and updates, watch for announcements leading up to the event on January 4.
