Critics’ Choice Awards 2026: Complete Winners and Moments
The 31st Critics’ Choice Awards lit up Hollywood with a dazzling night of celebration, surprising wins, and a few headline-worthy moments. Hosted by Chelsea Handler at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, this year’s ceremony honored the best in both film and television — from powerhouse dramas to surprising comedy victories and unforgettable performances across screens big and small.
Without further ado, here’s the complete list of winners from the Critics Choice Awards 2026 — and why these victories are shaping up to matter in the coming awards season.
Film Categories & Winners
Best Picture
One Battle After Another — A sweeping cinematic triumph that dominated the night.
Best Director
Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another
Major Acting Wins
- Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet — Marty Supreme
- Best Actress: Jessie Buckley — Hamnet
- Best Supporting Actor: Jacob Elordi — Frankenstein
- Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan — Weapons
- Best Young Actor/Actress: Miles Caton — Sinners
Screenplay & Writing
- Best Original Screenplay: Sinners (Ryan Coogler)
- Best Adapted Screenplay: One Battle After Another (Paul Thomas Anderson)
Technical Excellence
- Best Production Design: Frankenstein
- Best Cinematography: Train Dreams
- Best Costume Design: Frankenstein
- Best Hair & Makeup: Frankenstein
Visuals & Audio
- Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Best Score: Sinners (Ludwig Göransson)
- Best Song: “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters
Genre & Special
- Best Comedy Film: The Naked Gun
- Best Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters
- Best Foreign Language Film: The Secret Agent
Television Categories & Winners
Best Drama & Comedy Series
- Best Drama Series: The Pitt
- Best Comedy Series: The Studio
Acting in Drama & Comedy
- Best Actor, Drama: Noah Wyle — The Pitt
- Best Actress, Drama: Rhea Seehorn — Pluribus
- Best Actor, Comedy: Seth Rogen — The Studio
- Best Actress, Comedy: Jean Smart — Hacks
Limited Series & Made for TV Films
- Best Limited Series: Adolescence
- Best Actress, Limited Series: Sarah Snook — All Her Fault
- Best Actor, Limited Series: Stephen Graham — Adolescence
- Best Supporting Actor, Limited Series: Owen Cooper — Adolescence
- Best Supporting Actress, Limited Series: Erin Doherty — Adolescence
Television Supporting
- Best Supporting Actor, Drama: Tramell Tillman — Severance
- Best Supporting Actress, Comedy: Janelle James — Abbott Elementary
Other TV Honors
- Best Animated Series: South Park
- Best Foreign Language Series: Squid Game
- Best Comedy Special: SNL50: The Anniversary Special
- Best Variety Series: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Standout Moments of the Night
Critics’ Choice Awards 2026 didn’t just hand out trophies — it delivered headlines and emotional highlights.
- One Battle After Another dominated with Best Picture and Director wins.
- Timothée Chalamet’s Best Actor victory for Marty Supreme added season momentum.
- Television favorite Adolescence walked away with multiple wins, setting up a possible run through the rest of the awards season.
- Chelsea Handler brought humor and sharp commentary as host, keeping the energy high.
With key wins in both film and television, the Critics’ Choice Awards often forecast trends across major awards like the Golden Globes and Oscars. This year’s mixed bag — from mainstream heavyweights to surprising indie winners — sets up a competitive and buzzy season ahead.
