The countdown to this year’s awards season officially began with a night of cinematic glamour, television honors, and spirited debate over the standout productions of 2025. The 31st Critics’ Choice Awards took place on Sunday, Jan. 4, transforming the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, into the epicenter of the entertainment world.
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association
Once again hosted by Chelsea Handler, the ceremony was broadcast live on E! and USA Network, bringing together some of the biggest names in film and television. Critics cast their votes, spotlighting the movies, series, and performances that defined the year.
This year’s event carried a vibrant energy and a clear push for renewal, introducing four new categories: Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, Best Casting and Ensemble, and Best Sound—highlighting the diversity and creativity of contemporary productions.
Films and series that had already captured critical attention confirmed their momentum on the night. Productions such as One Battle After Another, The Pitt, Adolescence, and The Studio emerged among the evening’s big winners. Memorable performances sparked conversation, reaffirming the Critics’ Choice Awards’ role as a key precursor to the season’s major accolades.
With nominations announced in early Dec., productions like Sinners and Adolescence led the pack in nominations, and the January 4 ceremony celebrated a year full of bold storytelling, daring performances, and creative surprises.
Here is the complete list of the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards winners:
Movies
• Best Picture: One Battle After Another
• Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme
• Best Actress: Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
• Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
• Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler – Sinners
• Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
• Best Casting and Ensemble: Sinners
• Best Cinematography: Adolpho Veloso – Train Dreams
• Best Production Design: Frankenstein
• Best Editing: F1
• Best Costume Design: Kate Hawley – Frankenstein
• Best Hair and Makeup: 28 Years Later
• Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash
• Best Stunt Design: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
• Best Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters
• Best Comedy: The Naked Gun
• Best Foreign Language Film: The Secret Agent
• Best Song: “Golden” – KPop Demon Hunters
• Best Score: Ludwig Göransson – Sinners
• Best Sound: F1
Television
• Best Drama Series: The Pitt
• Best Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle – The Pitt
• Best Actress in a Drama Series: Rhea Seehorn – Pluribus
• Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tramell Tillman – Severance
• Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Katherine LaNasa – The Pitt
• Best Comedy Series: The Studio
• Best Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen – The Studio
• Best Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart – Hacks
• Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Ike Barinholtz – The Studio
• Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Janelle James – Abbott Elementary
• Best Limited Series: Adolescence
• Best Movie Made for Television: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
• Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television: Stephen Graham – Adolescence
• Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television: Sarah Snook – All Her Fault
• Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television: Owen Cooper – Adolescence
• Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television: Erin Doherty – Adolescence
• Best Foreign Language Series: Squid Game
• Best Animated Series: South Park
• Best Talk Show: Jimmy Kimmel Live!
• Best Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
• Best Comedy Special: SNL50: The Anniversary Special
