The 31st Critics Choice Awards took place on January 4, 2026, celebrating the best in film and television from the past year. Hosted by Chelsea Handler at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, the star-studded event highlighted standout achievements across major categories, from Best Picture to acting and technical excellence.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the big winners, why they mattered this awards season, and how tonight’s results could shape the road to the Oscars and beyond.

Best Picture, Director & Top Film Honors

Best Picture: One Battle After Another
Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s film dominated the Critics Choice Awards with both Best Picture and Best Director, reinforcing its position as a frontrunner in this year’s awards season. The film’s nuanced storytelling and technical mastery clearly resonated with critics.

Best Adapted Screenplay:
Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another

Lead Acting Wins

Best Actor: Timothée Chalamet — Marty Supreme
Best Actress: Jessie Buckley — Hamnet

Timothée Chalamet took home the award for his compelling performance in Marty Supreme, while Jessie Buckley was honored for her role in Hamnet, a period drama that critics have praised for its emotional depth and powerful lead performance.

Supporting Acting Honorees

Best Supporting Actor: Jacob Elordi — Frankenstein
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan — Weapons

Jacob Elordi’s win was particularly notable, as he received his first major acting award for his turn as the Creature in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, beating out acclaimed actors including Benicio Del Toro and Paul Mescal.

Amy Madigan also made headlines, earning Best Supporting Actress for her scene-stealing performance as Aunt Gladys in Weapons, a role that became a fan favorite this awards season.

Rising Stars & Young Talent

Best Young Actor/Actress: Miles Caton — Sinners

Miles Caton emerged as the standout young performer of the night, securing Best Young Actor/Actress for his role in Sinners, a film that led the nominations earlier in the season.

Screenplay & Storytelling

Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler — Sinners

Ryan Coogler’s original script for Sinners earned high praise and the Critics Choice Award for Best Original Screenplay, reflecting strong narrative and thematic resonance with critics.

Television Winners — Best Series & Performances

The Critics Choice Awards also highlighted television excellence across genres:

Series of the Year

Best Drama Series: The Pitt
Best Comedy Series: The Studio
Best Limited Series: Adolescence

The Pitt and The Studio were recognized for their compelling ensemble casts and innovative storytelling, while Adolescence dominated limited series with multiple wins.

Acting in Television

Best Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle — The Pitt
Best Actress in a Drama Series: Rhea Seehorn — Pluribus
Best Supporting Actor (Drama): Tramell Tillman — Severance
Best Supporting Actress (Drama): Katherine LaNasa — The Pitt

Best Actor in a Limited Series: Stephen Graham — Adolescence
Best Actress in a Limited Series: Sarah Snook — All Her Fault
Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series: Owen Cooper — Adolescence
Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series: Erin Doherty — Adolescence

Comedy & Other TV Highlights

Beyond drama and limited series, several other shows stood out:

• Best Comedy Series: The Studio
• Best Animated Series: South Park
• Best Foreign Language Series: Squid Game
• Best Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

These wins highlight the diversity of critically acclaimed television, from satire and animation to global storytelling.

Other Notable and Technical Wins

The Critics Choice Awards expanded recognition into categories like casting, ensemble performance, and stunt design — acknowledging the many behind-the-scenes voices critical to filmmaking and television production.

Films like Sinners also earned Best Casting & Ensemble honors, underscoring how carefully curated casts contribute to a project’s success.

What This Means for Awards Season

The 2026 Critics Choice Awards often serve as an early barometer for the Academy Awards and other major ceremonies later in the year. With One Battle After Another, Sinners, Marty Supreme, and Hamnet receiving multiple honors here, these films and talent are positioned as front-runners for future recognition.

Final Thoughts

The 31st Critics Choice Awards delivered a compelling snapshot of excellence in both film and television. With celebrated performances, breakthrough talent, and standout productions, this year’s winners reflect a vibrant, creative landscape heading into the 2026 awards season.

Whether you’re an awards enthusiast or simply catching up on top content from last year, these winners are a great place to start exploring critically acclaimed storytelling across genres and mediums.

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