The critics choice awards 2026 nominations were announced today, delivering a clear snapshot of how the upcoming awards season is beginning to take shape. With major studio films, prestige indies, and standout television productions earning recognition, this year’s slate reflects a broad and competitive entertainment landscape. The newly released nominations outline which titles have captured early critical support and which performances may carry the strongest momentum into the months ahead.
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A dominant year for “Sinners”
The film Sinners emerged as the top nominee across categories, earning widespread attention for its ensemble performances, direction, and technical accomplishments. Its strong showing places it firmly at the center of awards discourse, as the film secured key slots in Best Picture, Best Director, and multiple acting categories. This result signals significant critical appreciation and positions the film as a frontrunner heading into the winter circuit.
Several other titles also posted impressive results. One Battle After Another earned a sizable collection of nominations, including in Best Actor and several craft categories, while Hamnet, Frankenstein, and Sentimental Value each secured enough recognition to underscore their strength with voters. The range of genres represented — from historical drama to re-imagined literary works — demonstrates critics’ readiness to reward both artistic ambition and polished mainstream storytelling.
Ceremony details and broadcast information
The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards will take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, broadcasting live from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Chelsea Handler will host the event, marking her return to the awards stage with a format expected to blend humor and industry commentary. The ceremony will air on E! and USA Network, giving the show a wide U.S. cable audience during a prime viewing window.
These confirmations place the Critics Choice Awards at the forefront of the early-season calendar, often influencing coverage and campaign strategies ahead of the major guild awards and the Oscars.
Key acting categories gain momentum
Acting nominations this year reflect a balance of established stars and rising performers.
Michael B. Jordan earned a Best Actor nomination for his work in Sinners, adding another major accolade to what has become one of the most talked-about performances of the season. Leonardo DiCaprio also appears in the Best Actor lineup for One Battle After Another, continuing his long-standing track record of awards-caliber roles.
In the supporting fields, Ariana Grande’s nomination for Wicked: For Good stands out as one of the most culturally visible selections of the year. Her performance drew widespread audience attention, and the nomination signals strong industry support for the film’s new chapter. The rest of the supporting categories round out with critically recognized portrayals across drama, musical, and thriller releases.
Television nominations highlight a competitive year
Television categories this year showcase the continued dominance of streaming platforms alongside network standouts. Netflix’s Adolescence led the pack on the TV side, receiving nominations for Best Limited Series as well as several acting categories. The show’s blend of character-driven storytelling and high production value resonated strongly with critics.
Drama categories feature returning heavyweights as well as newer series earning breakout praise for writing and performance quality. Comedies such as Abbott Elementary and Hacks continue to maintain strong critical footing, proving that established series can still compete against buzzy newcomers. Across genres, nominees reflect the growing diversity of storytelling formats, from limited series to multi-season ensemble shows.
Craft and technical categories expand recognition
The nominations also highlight the importance of technical artistry. Among the featured categories are Best Casting Ensemble, Best Stunt Design, and a range of craft awards recognizing sound mixing, production design, costume creation, and visual effects.
These categories not only showcase behind-the-scenes creative work but also reinforce how essential these disciplines are to the overall success of film and television productions. Critics Choice has increasingly emphasized these areas, and their inclusion signals a continued commitment to honoring the full scope of creative labor in the industry.
Awards-season implications
While Critics Choice results do not determine Oscar or Emmy outcomes, they often correlate with later recognition. Films that earn extensive early-season nominations tend to gain visibility and campaign traction. With Sinners and One Battle After Another posting strong showings, both are now well positioned for the next wave of awards announcements.
Television contenders also benefit from this early attention. Nominations frequently boost visibility during streaming windows and strengthen contenders’ presence in final voting rounds for industry guilds.
The alignment between Critics Choice and subsequent awards varies each year, but historically, heavy nomination counts for films and shows in January often translate into continued momentum.
Unexpected turns and noteworthy highlights
This year’s nominations also include a few surprises. Some highly anticipated franchise entries received fewer nominations than projected, suggesting that critics may have prioritized originality and performance-driven narratives over brand familiarity. Meanwhile, several independent films and auteur projects landed strong recognition, reinforcing the ongoing influence of critical bodies in elevating less commercial but artistically significant titles.
The broader mix of nominees, spanning large-scale productions and intimate dramas, reveals a landscape where critics are more focused on craftsmanship and emotional depth than on box-office performance.
What comes next in the awards race
As studios and streaming platforms respond to today’s nominations, expect marketing campaigns to intensify. Awards-season promotion often pivots quickly after Critics Choice announcements, highlighting key acting achievements, signature scenes, and overall nomination counts.
Guild voting periods, film festivals, and televised ceremonies will soon offer a clearer picture of which titles have staying power. For now, the nominations set the stage for a competitive and unpredictable awards season — one where both established names and fresh voices appear poised to make an impact.