31st Critics Choice Awards 2026: ‘One Battle After Another’ Leads as Awards Season Begins

Hannah Walter, from left, Stephen Graham, winner of the award for best actor in a limited series or movie made for television for "Adolescence," Erin Doherty, winner of the award for best supporting actress in a limited series or movie made for television for "Adolescence," Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco, and Owen Cooper, winner of the award for best supporting actor in a limited series or movie made for television for "Adolescence," pose with the award best limited series for "Adolescence" in the press room during the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at The Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, Calif. AP/PTI(AP01_05_2026_000008B)

The 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards launched the 2026 awards season with a bang on January 4, 2026, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Hosted by Chelsea Handler for the fourth time, the ceremony honored the best in film and television from 2025, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another emerging as the night’s big winner, taking home Best Picture, Best Director, and more.

The Ceremony Breakdown: Wins, Surprises, and Emotional Moments

One Battle After Another claimed Best Picture, beating strong contenders like Sinners and Frankenstein. Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director, while Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme) and Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) took top acting honors. Sinners and Frankenstein each won four awards, taking the lead in the technical categories. In TV, Adolescence dominated limited series with four wins, while The Studio shone in comedy.

Key Highlights: Speeches, Tributes, and Fashion

Timothée Chalamet thanked girlfriend Kylie Jenner in his acceptance speech, mouthing “I love you” to her in the audience. Chelsea Handler opened with a tribute to the late Rob Reiner. Red carpet standouts included cosplays and pregnancy announcements, adding glamour to the night.

Film Winners Spotlight

  1. Best Picture: One Battle After Another
  2. Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme)
  3. Best Actress: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
  4. Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
  5. Best Supporting Actor: Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein)
  6. Standouts like KPop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature and Best Song (“Golden”).

TV Winners Spotlight

Adolescence swept limited series categories, with Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper winning acting prizes. The Studio took Best Comedy Series.

Buzz and Legacy

The awards set early Oscar predictors, with One Battle After Another gaining momentum.

A Star-Studded Horizon Awaits

The 2026 Critics Choice Awards isn’t a curtain call—it’s ignition. As frontrunners emerge, speeches resonate, and the season heats up, it affirms: Exceptional storytelling summons celebration in the awards’ ceaseless charge.

-By Manoj H