The 2026 Critics Choice Awards will take place on January 4, 2026, marking the start of another awards season. This year, Chelsea Handler returns as the host for the fourth consecutive time. In a statement, she expressed enthusiasm about kicking off the year with the awards, saying, “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.”
Joey Berlin, CEO of the Critics Choice Association, praised Handler as “the best awards show host in the world” and noted her suitability for leading the celebration of achievements in film and television. The ceremony will introduce several new categories, including Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, and Best Casting and Ensemble.
Nominations revealed in December 2025 showcased impressive contenders. Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners led with a remarkable 17 nominations, featuring categories such as Best Picture and Best Director. Following closely, Paul Thomas Anderson’s film One Battle After Another received 14 nominations.
On the television front, Netflix’s series Adolescence and Nobody Wants This topped the list with six and five nominations, respectively. The excitement around these nominations reflects the diverse talent recognized by the Critics Choice Association.
The complete list of nominees includes:
Key Nominations for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards
Best Picture:
– Sinners
– One Battle After Another
– Sentimental Value
Best Director:
– Ryan Coogler – Sinners
– Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
– Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value
Best Actor:
– Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another
– Wagner Moura – The Secret Agent
– Chase Infiniti – One Battle After Another
Best Supporting Actor:
– Sean Penn – One Battle After Another
– Elle Fanning – Sentimental Value
– Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:
– Wood Harris – Forever
– Nicole Beharie – The Morning Show
– Greta Lee – The Morning Show
Best Actor in a Comedy Series:
– David Alan Grier – St. Denis Medical
Best Actress in a Comedy Series:
– Edi Patterson – The Righteous Gemstones
– Danielle Brooks – Peacemaker
– Ego Nwodim – Saturday Night Live
Best Movie Made for TV:
– Death by Lightning
– Dope Thief
The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards will be broadcast live on the E! Network, providing fans with the opportunity to witness the celebration of excellence in film and television. As the awards season unfolds, anticipation grows for both the nominees and the eventual winners, with the industry eagerly awaiting the results.
As the ceremony approaches, viewers can look forward to an evening filled with memorable moments and acknowledgments of the creativity and talent that defined the past year in entertainment.
