The 2026 Critics Choice Awards offered an early snapshot of where the awards season may be headed, as critics gathered in Santa Monica to recognize the year’s most compelling film and television achievements. Known for influencing momentum ahead of the Oscars, the ceremony once again spotlighted performances and projects that have captured critical attention.
Chalamet and Buckley Command the Spotlight
One of the evening’s most significant moments came with Timothée Chalamet receiving the Best Actor award for Marty Supreme. His portrayal of a young competitor driven by ambition and self-belief impressed critics for its nuance and emotional weight. The win strengthens his position as a major contender in the ongoing awards race.
Equally striking was Jessie Buckley, who took home Best Actress for her performance in Hamnet. Buckley’s work was praised for its quiet intensity and emotional depth, bringing a layered portrayal of grief and resilience to the screen. Her victory further cements her reputation as one of the most fearless performers working today.
Top Film Honors Reflect Bold Storytelling
The award for Best Picture went to One Battle After Another, a film that also collected prizes for direction and adapted screenplay. Its success underscored the critics’ enthusiasm for ambitious narratives and confident filmmaking.
Other notable winners included Sinners, which converted several of its nominations into wins across key creative categories, and Frankenstein, recognized for its visual and technical accomplishments. Together, the results highlighted a wide range of cinematic styles and voices embraced by critics this year.
Television Winners Make Their Mark
Television categories showcased equally strong contenders. The limited series Adolescence dominated its field, earning multiple awards and standing out for its powerful storytelling and performances.
In continuing series, The Pitt was named Best Drama Series, while The Studio claimed the Best Comedy Series title. Variety and talk formats also received recognition, reinforcing the Critics Choice Awards’ broad view of television excellence.
A Clear Signal for the Months Ahead
As one of the first major ceremonies of the season, the Critics Choice Awards often serve as a barometer for future success. This year’s winners are expected to remain prominent as industry attention turns toward upcoming nominations and ceremonies.
With strong performances, diverse storytelling, and early critical backing now established, the 2026 awards season has begun with confidence — setting the stage for an intensely competitive road ahead.
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