The critics choice awards 2026 nominations were officially revealed today, marking one of the most important turning points in the entertainment industry’s awards calendar. These new nominations immediately shaped expectations for the months ahead, offering a detailed look at which films, performers, and television productions have earned early-season momentum. The announcement generated major discussion across Hollywood, as the scope and variety of nominated projects reflect a competitive year filled with standout creative achievements.
The newly released lineup highlights exceptional work across genres, budgets, formats, and platforms. From major theatrical releases to streaming originals and long-running series, the nominations demonstrate how strongly audiences and critics responded to a diverse slate of storytelling in 2025. This coverage explores every major component of the awards slate, providing a full breakdown of what the recognition means heading into the 2026 awards season.
A Landmark Year for “Sinners”
One of the most striking aspects of this year’s nominations is the sweeping success of Sinners, a film that dominated numerous major categories. Its recognition in Best Picture, Best Director, and several performance fields showcases the film’s resonance within the industry. The project’s layered storytelling, ensemble cast, and high-impact cinematography contributed to widespread acclaim throughout the year, and its nomination count signals a potential path to further awards-season victories.
The film’s standout performances played a major role in its early dominance. Michael B. Jordan’s lead performance earned significant praise for emotional depth and commanding screen presence. The supporting cast also generated industry attention, strengthening the film’s position as a frontrunner. Sinners now enters the heart of awards season with exceptional visibility, setting the tone for competitive campaigning across categories.
Other Major Film Contenders Gain Traction
Although Sinners leads in nominations, several other films delivered strong showings:
“One Battle After Another”
This historical drama secured a substantial number of nominations, with standout recognition for Leonardo DiCaprio. His performance, marked by intensity and precision, drew wide acclaim and places him firmly in contention for additional honors during the season. The film’s technical nominations highlight its large-scale production design and attention to detail, both of which resonated strongly with critics.
“Hamnet”
Adapted from a celebrated literary work, Hamnet performed well across writing, acting, and creative categories. Its thoughtful approach to historical material and its emotional storytelling connected with critics, giving the film a strong foundation as awards season advances.
“Frankenstein”
This modern reimagining of a classic story earned multiple nominations for visual design and sound work. Its ambitious artistic direction set it apart from other genre films, demonstrating how technical craft can elevate familiar narratives in new and compelling ways.
“Sentimental Value”
With its heartfelt tone and strong ensemble performances, Sentimental Value became one of the year’s most widely appreciated dramas. It secured nominations in several acting categories and gained recognition for its screenplay, signaling strong industry support.
These films represent a balance of blockbuster storytelling, literary adaptation, and emotionally grounded drama. Their presence among the top nominees contributes to one of the most competitive Critics Choice Awards lineups in recent memory.
Ceremony Date and Broadcast Details Confirmed
The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards will take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, broadcasting live from the well-known Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Audiences across the United States can tune in through E! and USA Network, both of which will carry the ceremony. Chelsea Handler returns as host, bringing her signature comedic style and industry familiarity to one of the most watched entertainment events of early 2026.
The ceremony’s early-January timing positions it ahead of several key guild awards, making the Critics Choice results a valuable indicator of how the season may unfold. Its placement gives nominees a platform to build momentum before the next wave of awards announcements.
Acting Categories Deliver a Blend of Established and Emerging Talent
This year’s acting fields carry several notable themes: celebrated stars delivering some of their strongest work, rising performers breaking into industry recognition, and a clear emphasis on character-driven stories.
Best Actor Highlights
Michael B. Jordan and Leonardo DiCaprio headline the Best Actor race. Jordan’s performance in Sinners is widely praised for its emotional complexity, while DiCaprio’s role in One Battle After Another showcases his command of dramatic storytelling. Their nominations set up a compelling competition.
Best Actress Field
The leading actress category reflects a wide range of genres and emotional approaches, featuring dramatic performances, biographical portrayals, and character-driven independent films. Strong critical support for several nominees ensures a tight race.
Standout Supporting Roles
One of the most discussed nominations of the season is Ariana Grande’s recognition in the Best Supporting Actress category for Wicked: For Good. Her performance demonstrated substantial vocal and dramatic range, surprising many industry observers and securing her place among the year’s top contenders.
Across both supporting actor and actress categories, critics rewarded distinctive, memorable performances that elevated their films and left significant impact on audiences.
Television Categories Reflect Rapid Evolution Across Platforms
Television continues to expand at a rapid pace, and this year’s nominations reflect that growth. Streaming services, networks, and premium cable platforms all appear prominently across categories.
A Strong Showing for “Adolescence”
Netflix’s Adolescence led the television nominations, recognized for Best Limited Series and multiple acting awards. Its character-centered storytelling, grounded realism, and polished direction made it one of the most talked-about shows of the year.
Drama Series Competition Intensifies
This year’s drama field features a mix of returning powerhouses and new releases that quickly captured critical attention. Performances, writing, and production quality all play major roles in determining which shows break through, and the nominations suggest a highly competitive season.
Comedy Categories Remain Strong
Fan favorites like Abbott Elementary and Hacks once again received recognition, proving that established series can maintain momentum even in a crowded market. These shows earned nominations for acting, writing, and ensemble performance.
Television’s evolving landscape ensures that new voices and formats continue to emerge, and this year’s Critics Choice lineup reflects that creative diversity.
Technical and Creative Craft Categories Shine
Craft categories are essential for understanding the full scope of recognition at the Critics Choice Awards. These nominations highlight the artistic and technical teams whose work shapes the visual and emotional experience of film and television.
Key categories receiving notable attention this year include:
- Production Design – Recognizing the environments that anchor storytelling
- Costume Design – Celebrating precise character-building through wardrobe
- Sound and Mixing – Honoring immersive audio landscapes
- Visual Effects – Highlighting the groundbreaking techniques behind major releases
- Casting Ensemble – Showcasing the importance of cohesive on-screen chemistry
- Stunt Design – Acknowledging the craft behind action sequences and physical storytelling
These categories demonstrate how technical achievements contribute equally to the success of nominated projects.
Awards Season Impact and Industry Interpretation
While Critics Choice results do not directly determine future awards outcomes, they strongly influence perception, campaign momentum, and industry conversation. Films and series with high nomination counts gain a visibility advantage, often becoming central to discussions surrounding the Oscars, Emmys, and guild awards.
For Sinners, One Battle After Another, Hamnet, and Adolescence, the nomination totals reinforce their standing as major industry contenders. Large ensembles, heavily nominated blockbusters, and critically praised independent works now enter the next phase with heightened attention.
Studios and streaming platforms often shift their marketing strategies immediately after nominations are announced. Promotional campaigns may highlight leading performers, key scenes, or technical achievements that align with categories recognized by critics.
Unexpected Surprises and Noteworthy Trends
This year’s nominations brought several surprises. Some heavily anticipated franchise entries received fewer nominations than projected, while smaller films and independent productions performed better than expected. This outcome suggests that critics rewarded innovation, performance quality, and cohesive storytelling over brand recognition or commercial scale.
Another notable trend is the increased emphasis on ensemble-driven storytelling. Both film and television categories include several projects recognized for group performances, demonstrating the power of cast chemistry in shaping viewer impact.
The variety within the nominations offers a broader picture of audience interests and evolving creative priorities across the industry.
What to Expect Next
As awards season moves forward, momentum will shift as guilds, film festivals, and professional organizations begin releasing their own nominations and winners. The Critics Choice Awards serve as the first major checkpoint of the year, and the patterns established today will influence conversations well into the spring.
Studios, networks, and streaming platforms are now entering the busiest phase of their awards campaigns. Publicity events, screenings, and interviews will increase as nominees position themselves for upcoming ceremonies.
The January 4 ceremony will provide the next major update on how the year’s most celebrated films and series are performing. With a competitive lineup and strong contenders on all sides, this awards season promises to be one of the most dynamic in recent years.