Critics Choice Awards 2026: Unforgettable Moments and Surprise Winners

The 31st Critics Choice Awards: A Night of Glamour and Surprises

The 31st Critics Choice Awards marked the grand opening of the award season, taking the spotlight as the first major event of the year. Held on January 4, 2026, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, the ceremony was hosted by the ever-charming Chelsea Handler. This year’s awards brought a wave of excitement and unexpected victories, setting the tone for the rest of the award season.

Leading Winners in TV and Film

In the television category, Netflix’s Adolescence emerged as the night’s big winner, securing four trophies, including Best Limited Series and acting awards for its lead and supporting actors. Close behind were The Pitt and The Studio, each taking home three awards.

On the film front, One Battle After Another claimed the top prize, with Paul Thomas Anderson winning for both directing and writing. The horror genre shone brightly, with Frankenstein and Sinners each winning four awards. Frankenstein was celebrated for its technical achievements, while Sinners was recognized for Ryan Coogler’s screenplay and Miles Caton’s performance.

Memorable Moments and Heartfelt Tributes

One of the most talked-about moments of the night was Timothée Chalamet’s acceptance speech, where he gave a rare shoutout to Kylie Jenner, adding a personal touch to the evening. Chelsea Handler’s opening monologue was another highlight, blending humor with a heartfelt tribute to the late Rob Reiner, whom she described as the “nicest man in Hollywood.”

Red Carpet Glamour

The red carpet was a spectacle in itself, with stars like Chelsea Handler, Owen Cooper, and Elle Fanning making stunning appearances. The night also saw a playful nod to Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner’s matching orange leather looks from a previous event, recreated by Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs.

Surprise Victories and Unexpected Delights

The 31st Critics Choice Awards were full of surprises, challenging the predictions and adding a fresh twist to the award season. Janelle James and Rhea Seahorn took home unexpected victories in the TV categories, while Amy Madigan and Jacob Elordi shook up the film supporting actor nods. These surprises kept the audience on their toes and made the night even more memorable.

Full List of Winners

For a complete list of winners and nominees, visit the official Critics Choice Awards website.