2026 Critics Choice Awards: See Who Took Home the Gold

Sunday night in Santa Monica was nothing short of electric. As the industry gathered at the Barker Hangar for the 31st Critics Choice Awards, the energy was palpable—a celebration of storytelling that challenges, entertains, and moves us. Hosted by the ever-sharp Chelsea Handler for the fourth year running, the ceremony didn’t just hand out trophies; it highlighted the films and series that have defined our cultural conversation over the past year.

If you’ve been tracking the awards season buzz, you know the competition was fierce. But ultimately, it was One Battle After Another that claimed the night’s biggest honor, securing Best Picture. It wasn’t the only victory for the film; Paul Thomas Anderson walked away with Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, proving once again that his vision resonates deeply with critics and audiences alike.

But let’s talk about Sinners. Ryan Coogler’s latest project was a massive force throughout the evening. The film snagged four wins, including Best Original Screenplay for Coogler and Best Score for Ludwig Göransson. Perhaps most significantly, it won the inaugural award for Best Casting and Ensemble—a new category that finally recognizes the collective alchemy required to bring a script to life. Seeing Francine Maisler and the cast get their flowers was a powerful reminder that filmmaking is, at its core, a team sport.

Television Triumphs

Over on the television side, the wins were spread across some truly groundbreaking shows. The Pitt emerged as the heavyweight champion in the drama categories, taking home Best Drama Series, while its leads Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa secured acting wins. It’s a testament to the show’s gripping narrative that keeps viewers locked in week after week.

Comedy had a huge night as well, with The Studio winning Best Comedy Series. Seth Rogen and Ike Barinholtz both grabbed acting statues, solidifying the show’s place as a comedic powerhouse. And we have to shout out the legendary Jean Smart, who continues to reign supreme, winning Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks.

Representation and New Voices

What stood out most this year was the breadth of talent being recognized. From KPop Demon Hunters winning Best Animated Feature and Best Song (“Golden”), to the intense, character-driven performances in Adolescence (which won Best Limited Series), the winners list reflects a landscape that is becoming increasingly diverse and adventurous.

The Critics Choice Association also expanded their scope this year, adding categories for Best Variety Series, Stunt Design, and Sound. It’s a move that honors the often-unsung heroes of production—the people who make us believe the impossible is happening on screen.

Whether you’re a film buff, a TV binge-watcher, or just here for the red carpet looks, this year’s winners list offers plenty to add to your watchlist.

Here is the full list of winners from the 31st Critics Choice Awards.

FILM WINNERS

BEST PICTURE
One Battle After Another

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

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
Francine Maisler – Sinners

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Adolpho Veloso – Train Dreams

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Tamara Deverell, Shane Vieau – Frankenstein

BEST EDITING
Stephen Mirrione – F1

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Kate Hawley – Frankenstein

BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP
Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, Cliona Furey – Frankenstein

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, Daniel Barrett – Avatar: Fire and Ash

BEST STUNT DESIGN
Wade Eastwood – 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” – Ejae, Mark Sonnenblick, Ido, 24, Teddy (KPop Demon Hunters)

BEST SCORE
Ludwig Göransson – Sinners

BEST SOUND
Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, Juan Peralta, Gareth John – F1

TELEVISION WINNERS

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

The awards are handed out, but the conversation is just getting started. Did your favorites take home the gold? Were there any snubs that have you shaking your head? We want to hear your take. Hit us up on social media and let us know which of these films and shows you’re watching next.