As awards season heats up, one of Hollywood’s biggest nights is fast approaching — and fans everywhere are asking: when are the Critics Choice Awards? The highly anticipated event, which celebrates the finest achievements in film and television, is officially set for Sunday, January 12, 2026.
The 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards will take place at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, and air live across the United States on The CW Network. Known for honoring both artistic and popular favorites, this ceremony is one of the most trusted indicators of who might go on to win at the Oscars and Emmys later in the year.
Here’s everything fans need to know — from the date and broadcast details to this year’s nominations, major categories, and what to expect from the red carpet.
The Critics Choice Awards 2026: When and Where to Watch
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) has confirmed that the 2026 ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 12, airing live at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT).
Broadcast and Streaming Details:
- 📺 Live TV: Watch nationwide on The CW Network.
- 💻 Streaming: Available for free on The CW App and CWTV.com for U.S. viewers.
- 🌎 International Access: Selected broadcasters and on-demand highlights will be available for global audiences.
The Critics Choice Awards will also feature full red-carpet coverage and post-show interviews, which fans can follow live on social media, including Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).
What Are the Critics Choice Awards?
The Critics Choice Awards are presented annually by the Critics Choice Association, the largest group of film and television critics in North America. The organization includes over 500 entertainment journalists, broadcasters, and online critics, who vote each year to recognize excellence in both mediums.
Unlike some award shows driven by industry politics, the Critics Choice Awards are valued for their focus on artistry, storytelling, and creative achievement. The winners are selected by professionals who watch and review hundreds of films and TV shows throughout the year — giving this ceremony a reputation for credibility and fairness.
The awards have been held annually since 1995, growing into one of Hollywood’s most respected honors. Over the years, the Critics Choice Awards have earned a reputation as a strong predictor of Oscar success, often aligning with the eventual Academy Award winners.
When Are the Critics Choice Awards Nominations Announced?
In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, the Critics Choice Association will release two sets of nominations — one for television and another for film.
- 📺 Television Nominations: December 9, 2025
- 🎬 Film Nominations: December 12, 2025
These announcements generate major excitement, with media outlets and fans immediately speculating on who will win. The nominations often set the tone for the entire awards season, highlighting the year’s standout performances and productions.
Where Will the Critics Choice Awards 2026 Be Held?
The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, will once again serve as the home of the Critics Choice Awards. The venue is known for its modern, spacious setup and stylish yet relaxed atmosphere, perfectly suited to the event’s celebratory tone.
The Barker Hangar has become synonymous with the Critics Choice brand. It’s big enough to host hundreds of stars, yet intimate enough to maintain a sense of community among filmmakers and actors. Unlike the formal grandeur of the Oscars or the glitzy chaos of the Golden Globes, the Critics Choice Awards strike a perfect balance between elegance and authenticity.
Who Will Host the 2026 Critics Choice Awards?
The host for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards has not yet been officially announced as of December 2025. However, all eyes are on Chelsea Handler, who successfully hosted the ceremony in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Her sharp humor and relaxed style have made her a fan favorite, and many expect her to return for a fourth consecutive year.
Past hosts have included:
- Chelsea Handler – praised for her wit and modern energy.
- Taye Diggs – admired for his charm and presence.
- Olivia Munn and Jay Mohr – memorable for their comedic chemistry.
Whoever takes the stage in 2026 will have the task of leading one of the most star-studded events of the season — balancing humor, excitement, and heartfelt tributes.
Award Categories at the Critics Choice Awards 2026
The Critics Choice Awards 2026 will honor excellence across more than 40 categories, covering both film and television.
Film Categories Include:
- Best Picture
- Best Director
- Best Actor / Actress
- Best Supporting Actor / Actress
- Best Original Screenplay
- Best Adapted Screenplay
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Production Design
- Best Costume Design
- Best Visual Effects
- Best Animated Feature
- Best Foreign Language Film
Television Categories Include:
- Best Drama Series
- Best Comedy Series
- Best Limited Series
- Best Actor / Actress in a Drama Series
- Best Actor / Actress in a Comedy Series
- Best Supporting Actor / Actress in a Series
- Best Ensemble Cast
In addition, the Critics Choice Association will present special honors such as:
- The SeeHer Award – recognizing women who authentically portray female characters in media.
- The Lifetime Achievement Award – honoring a performer or filmmaker with lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Why the Critics Choice Awards Matter
The Critics Choice Awards are more than just another red-carpet event — they are a major milestone on the road to the Oscars. Over the years, the ceremony has built a strong track record of forecasting the year’s biggest award-season winners.
Notable films that first gained recognition at the Critics Choice Awards include:
- Everything Everywhere All at Once (2023) – later swept the Oscars.
- Nomadland (2021) – won Best Picture at both Critics Choice and Academy Awards.
- The Shape of Water (2018) – a dual winner at both ceremonies.
- La La Land (2017) – another Critics Choice favorite turned Oscar success.
This reputation has made the Critics Choice Awards one of the most respected and closely watched events in the film and television world.
Early Favorites for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards
With 2025 delivering a remarkable lineup of movies and television shows, the Critics Choice Awards 2026 field is expected to be extremely competitive.
In Film:
- Dune: Part Two – praised for its epic scope, performances, and technical mastery.
- Wicked: Part One – a visually stunning adaptation with strong audience buzz.
- Joker: Folie à Deux – generating conversation for its bold artistic choices.
- Killers of the Flower Moon – continuing its critical acclaim heading into 2026.
- Oppenheimer – still a major awards contender after its 2025 dominance.
In Television:
- Succession – closing its run as a major awards favorite.
- The Bear – a likely frontrunner for comedy honors.
- The Last of Us – expected to perform strongly in drama categories.
- Abbott Elementary – maintaining popularity with both audiences and critics.
These titles will likely headline this year’s nominations, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable night in January.
Red Carpet and Fan Experience
The Critics Choice Awards are known for their lively yet elegant red-carpet atmosphere. Stars from both film and television arrive dressed to impress, making it one of the most stylish events of the year.
The red carpet pre-show will kick off around 5:00 p.m. ET, with coverage available through The CW, E! News, and major entertainment outlets online. Fans can also follow live updates and fashion highlights across social media.
What sets this red carpet apart is its accessibility — the Critics Choice Awards foster a welcoming, community-oriented vibe, where actors, directors, and critics celebrate together in a relaxed, inclusive environment.
Awards Season Timeline
The Critics Choice Awards take place during the heart of Hollywood’s awards season, serving as a bridge between the Golden Globes and the Oscars. Here’s how the 2026 calendar looks:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Because the Critics Choice Awards occur so early, they often help solidify front-runners and shape the narrative leading into the Oscars.
What Makes the Critics Choice Awards Unique
While the Oscars celebrate the industry’s elite and the Golden Globes mix film and television with Hollywood glamour, the Critics Choice Awards stand out for one reason: authenticity.
The event is grounded in appreciation for the craft of filmmaking and storytelling. It highlights both major studios and smaller independent projects, giving equal attention to blockbusters and hidden gems.
The Critics Choice Association also prioritizes diversity and representation, ensuring that artists of all backgrounds and genres are recognized. That inclusivity — combined with genuine enthusiasm from critics and filmmakers — makes the event one of the most enjoyable nights in entertainment.
Final Thoughts
So, when are the Critics Choice Awards? Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 12, 2026, airing live on The CW. It’s shaping up to be another unforgettable celebration of the best in film and television, uniting Hollywood’s brightest stars under one roof.
From major blockbusters to breakout performances, the Critics Choice Awards continue to honor creativity, talent, and storytelling at its finest.
Which film or show are you rooting for at the Critics Choice Awards 2026? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation!