Film and television fans are already buzzing with anticipation as awards season kicks into high gear — and many are asking, when are the Critics Choice Awards? The prestigious ceremony, which honors the year’s best achievements in film and television, is officially set to take place on Sunday, January 12, 2026.
The 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards will air live from The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, and will be broadcast nationwide on The CW Network. The event promises to once again bring together Hollywood’s biggest stars, directors, and creators for one of the most respected honors in entertainment.
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The Critics Choice Awards 2026: Date and Broadcast Details
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) has confirmed that the 2026 ceremony will be held on Sunday, January 12, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT).
Here’s how you can watch the Critics Choice Awards 2026:
- Live on The CW: The network will broadcast the ceremony in real time across the United States.
- Streaming Options: Viewers can also stream the event via The CW App and CWTV.com at no cost.
- International Viewers: Global audiences can expect regional broadcast partnerships and delayed telecasts in selected countries.
The Critics Choice Awards are typically among the first major televised honors of the new year, taking place shortly after the Golden Globe Awards and serving as an early indicator for Academy Award (Oscar) contenders.
What Are the Critics Choice Awards?
The Critics Choice Awards are presented annually by the Critics Choice Association, the largest organization of television, radio, and online critics in North America.
The awards recognize excellence in both film and television, celebrating artistic achievement across acting, directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and more.
First established in 1995, the Critics Choice Awards have become one of Hollywood’s most credible indicators of awards-season success. Winners often go on to receive similar honors at the Oscars or Emmys, making this event a major stop on the awards circuit.
When Are the Critics Choice Awards Nominations Announced?
Ahead of the January ceremony, the Critics Choice Association will release its nominations in two phases:
- Television Nominations: Scheduled for December 9, 2025
- Film Nominations: Scheduled for December 12, 2025
These announcements will generate major buzz across Hollywood, as critics highlight standout performances and productions from the year’s top movies and shows.
Where Will the Critics Choice Awards 2026 Take Place?
The ceremony will once again be hosted at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, a venue known for its spacious, modern design and ability to accommodate large red-carpet events.
Over the years, the Barker Hangar has become synonymous with the Critics Choice Awards, offering a more relaxed and contemporary atmosphere than traditional theater venues like the Dolby Theatre.
Guests can expect the evening to feature a combination of live performances, celebrity presenters, heartfelt acceptance speeches, and humorous moments that define Hollywood’s awards season.
Who Will Host the Critics Choice Awards 2026?
While the official host has not yet been announced as of December 2025, past hosts of the Critics Choice Awards have included some of the entertainment industry’s most beloved personalities.
Notable past hosts include:
- Chelsea Handler (2023–2025) – known for her sharp wit and engaging humor.
- Taye Diggs (2021–2022) – bringing energy and charm to the stage.
- Olivia Munn and Jay Mohr – long-time favorites for their comedic timing.
Fans and critics alike are speculating whether Chelsea Handler will return for another consecutive year, given her successful hosting streak. The official announcement is expected later this month.
Categories and Awards
The Critics Choice Awards 2026 will feature categories spanning both film and television, ensuring recognition for the best storytelling across all mediums.
Film Categories Include:
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Actor / Actress
- Best Supporting Actor / Actress
- Best Original Screenplay
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Animated Feature
Television Categories Include:
- Best Drama Series
- Best Comedy Series
- Best Limited Series
- Best Actor / Actress in a Drama
- Best Actor / Actress in a Comedy
- Best Supporting Performances
In total, more than 40 awards will be handed out across both mediums, making it one of the most comprehensive honors in the entertainment industry.
Why the Critics Choice Awards Matter
The Critics Choice Awards have become one of the most influential award shows in Hollywood. While they may not carry the same public spectacle as the Oscars, they often serve as a key barometer for which films and performances will dominate awards season.
Many Oscar-winning films first gained major recognition at the Critics Choice Awards, including:
- Everything Everywhere All at Once (2023)
- Nomadland (2021)
- The Shape of Water (2018)
- La La Land (2017)
The event’s credibility stems from the diverse and knowledgeable membership of the Critics Choice Association, which includes over 500 entertainment journalists, critics, and broadcasters.
Expected Highlights for the 2026 Ceremony
With 2025 shaping up as a standout year in both film and television, the Critics Choice Awards 2026 is expected to be one of the most competitive yet.
Some of the early favorites for the film categories include:
- Dune: Part Two – praised for its visual artistry and performances.
- Joker: Folie à Deux – drawing attention for its bold musical direction.
- Wicked: Part One – expected to perform strongly in both musical and technical categories.
- Killers of the Flower Moon – continuing its awards momentum from late 2025.
In television, fan-favorite shows such as The Bear, Succession, The White Lotus, and The Last of Us are likely to receive multiple nominations.
Red Carpet and Fan Experience
The Critics Choice Awards have also become known for their glamorous yet approachable red-carpet coverage. The event blends Hollywood glitz with the genuine enthusiasm of the creative community, giving fans a closer look at their favorite stars.
The red carpet pre-show will begin approximately two hours before the main ceremony, with coverage available on The CW, social media platforms, and entertainment networks such as E! and Access Hollywood.
The Awards Season Timeline
The Critics Choice Awards fall right in the middle of Hollywood’s awards season, which typically runs from December through March.
Here’s how it fits into the broader schedule:
- Golden Globes: January 5, 2026
- Critics Choice Awards: January 12, 2026
- Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG): February 8, 2026
- BAFTA Awards: February 22, 2026
- Academy Awards (Oscars): March 8, 2026
This timeline means that the Critics Choice Awards often help build momentum for films and performances heading into the Oscars.
Final Thoughts
So, when are the Critics Choice Awards? The answer is clear — Sunday, January 12, 2026, live on The CW. With a growing reputation as one of the most respected award shows in Hollywood, this year’s ceremony promises another unforgettable night celebrating excellence in entertainment.
Which film or show are you hoping will win big at the Critics Choice Awards 2026? Share your predictions below and join the conversation.